Nigeria’s preparations for October’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have suffered yet another setback, with Club Brugge star Raphael Onyedika the latest player to pick up an injury, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles midfielder limped off after just 15 minutes in Wednesday’s dramatic 5-5 draw against Westerlo, clutching his hamstring after chasing down a long pass.
Belgian outlet HLN reports the midfielder will now miss upcoming fixtures against Standard Liege and Atalanta, raising fears he could also be unavailable for Nigeria’s clashes with Lesotho and Benin.
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Onyedika’s injury compounds what is becoming a growing headache for Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle.
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is currently sidelined following surgery on a torn hamstring sustained during the last international break, with his recovery expected to keep him out until the end of the year.
Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has also been ruled out for around a month after sustaining a muscle problem in the Derby della Capitale against Roma.
For Club Brugge, Onyedika’s absence is a major blow. Since his arrival from Midtjylland in 2022, the 24-year-old has become the heartbeat of their midfield, making over 150 appearances and establishing himself as a key player for the team.
His physicality and composure were key in Brugge’s Champions League opener against Monaco, and his early withdrawal against Westerlo coincided with the side conceding four further goals in that chaotic ten-goal thriller.
While the full extent of Onyedika’s injury is yet to be confirmed, the possibility of another lengthy layoff similar to Aina’s is a worrying prospect for both club and country.
With Dele-Bashiru already out, Nigeria’s midfield depth is being severely tested and this leaves head coach Chelle with difficult decisions to make ahead of October’s crucial qualifiers.
