Raphael Onyedika has delivered a major lift to Nigeria as they prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The defensive midfielder suffered an injury that forced him to exit Club Brugge’s Belgian league match against Standard Liege last month.

As a result, he was left out of the squad for the Belgian Pro League champions’ victory over KAA Gent last weekend. However, the 23-year-old has made a timely return and is included in Club Brugge’s lineup for their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match against Aston Villa, set to take place tonight at the Jan Breydelstadion.

This development is likely to bring relief and optimism to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as his team gears up for crucial World Cup qualifying matches later this month.