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Club Brugge’s Champions League triumph over Monaco was overshadowed by a tense moment involving Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Belgian champions ran out 4-1 winners in Thursday’s group stage opener, with Raphael Onyedika playing a key role by scoring their second goal in the 39th minute after good work from Carlos Forbs. But instead of joining in the late celebrations, the midfielder’s anger at being substituted stole headlines.
Raphael Onyedika scores his first Champions League goal of the season ⚽✨ pic.twitter.com/jLJDIqwZLp
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) September 18, 2025
Withdrawn in the 81st minute for Lynnt Audoor, Onyedika walked straight off without acknowledging his teammate, before slumping on the bench and stripping off his socks and tape in visible frustration.
Head coach Nicky Hayen was quick to clarify the situation after the game, insisting there was no bad blood between him and the Nigerian.
“Onyedika had indicated he was feeling some discomfort,” Hayen told HLN. “We only had one substitution left, due to Simon’s injury, and we had to manage it carefully. There was a bit of miscommunication about it.
“I want to be quick about it. Because we’re not just eleven, but 20 or 25 players.”
Raphael Onyedika is always impressive & CONSISTENTLY a top performer every time I’ve watched him play for Club Brugge.
— E (@iamOkon) September 18, 2025
He’s really good at controlling the tempo of the game from deep plus a really good passer and pops up with the odd goal too.
Quality midfielder! pic.twitter.com/hco3jDfcfK
Hayen added that while Onyedika was visibly frustrated with some misplaced passes and missed opportunities, professionalism must remain the standard.
The 24-year-old, a product of FC Ebedei in Nigeria, had been linked with a summer exit from Brugge but ultimately stayed put.
Thursday’s incident is unlikely to alter his importance to the squad, though Hayen made clear the collective comes before individual frustration.
