Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika has announced his arrival for the 2025/26 season in style, scoring in the UEFA Champions League to inspire his team Club Brugge to a dominant 4-1 victory over Monaco.
The Nigerian midfielder not only found the net but also played a key role in a first-half blitz that left the Ligue 1 side stunned.
Onyedika at the heart of Brugge’s dominance
The 24-year-old midfielder fired home Brugge’s second goal of the night at the Jan Breydel Stadium, giving the hosts a commanding lead before halftime.
It was his first goal of the season, adding to an assist he has already registered across 13 appearances.
Since joining from Midtjylland, Onyedika has now tallied seven goals and four assists in 153 outings for the Belgian giants.
While Onyedika played 81 minutes before being replaced by Lynnt Audoor, fellow Nigerian George Ilenikhena entered for Monaco in the second half with the damage already done.
The night began with drama as Simon Mignolet saved an early Monaco penalty, though the veteran goalkeeper was later forced off through injury.
From there, Brugge took control: Nicolò Tresoldi opened the scoring, Onyedika doubled the advantage, and Hans Vanaken added a third before the break.
Mamadou Diakhon rounded off the victory in the second half, while Ansu Fati grabbed Monaco’s consolation.
Club Brugge’s statement win
The result extends Brugge’s unbeaten home run to seven games and gives them three wins in five meetings with Monaco.
For Adi Hütter’s side, the defeat sets up a daunting clash with Manchester City, while Brugge head to Atalanta brimming with confidence.
Onyedika’s goal shows his growing role as a big-game player for a Brugge team eager to make its mark in Europe. Hopefully he’ll avoid red card situations this season.
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