Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s selection pool is growing thinner ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers in March as the nation’s stars pick up injuries all across Europe, with Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika the latest casualty, Footynaija.com reports.
Onyedika sustained an injury during Club Brugge’s Jupiler Pro League match against Standard Liège on Sunday afternoon, forcing him off the pitch in the 23rd minute. The club confirmed his injury but has yet to disclose the exact nature of the setback.
Onyedika has been a crucial player for the Belgian side since joining from FC Midtjylland in 2022. This season, he has continued to be a vital part of their setup, making 38 appearances across all competition and head coach Nicky Hayen will be hoping the Nigerian’s problem isn’t too serious.
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Another manager who will be desperately hoping Onyedika’s injury is not a major one is Nigeria men’s national team manager Chelle with their crucial qualifying games just around the corner.
The Franco-Malian will face a huge selection headache in the middle of the park if the Brugge man stays out of action for a lengthy period.
Onyedika became the third Super Eagles star to suffer an injury setback this weekend, joining the likes of West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru on the treatment table.
Ajayi, who had only recently made his return from a four-month spell on the sidelines, suffered another setback during West Brom’s 2-0 victory over Oxford United on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Dele-Bashiru twisted his ankle and had to leave the match 41 minutes into the first half of Lazio’s 0-0 stalemate with Venezia.
With Nigeria billed to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in two must-win World Cup qualifying matches next month, Super Eagles boss Chelle will be hoping his stars can shake off their recent setbacks in time to be available for March’s fixtures.
