Raphael Onyedika

Raphael Onyedika Raphael Onyedika Nwadike (born April 19, 2001) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays primarily as a midfielder for the Belgian Pro League club Club Brugge and the Nigeria national team. He is recognized for his powerful defensive midfield presence and has quickly risen through the ranks of European and international football since moving from Nigeria.Early Life and Education Raphael Onyedika was born on April 19, 2001, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Before transitioning to organized professional youth development, he spent time playing street football. At the age of 15, Onyedika joined the F.C. Ebedei's academy in Nigeria, where he trained for three years, laying the foundation for his professional career.Career Progression **FC Midtjylland and Loan (2019–2022):** Shortly after his 18th birthday, Onyedika moved to Europe to join the academy of FC Midtjylland in Denmark, an affiliate club to F.C. Ebedei. He quickly progressed, and in 2020, he was loaned to FC Fredericia in the Danish 1st Division for the 2020–2021 season, where he made 28 appearances. Upon returning to Midtjylland, he established himself in the first team, making 37 appearances for the club between 2020 and 2022. **Club Brugge (2022–Present):** In 2022, Onyedika secured a transfer to the prominent Belgian club Club Brugge. He has since become a fixture in the squad, making 109 club appearances as of December 2025. He has also been linked with potential transfers to other major European clubs, including Aston Villa, due to his consistent performance.International Career Onyedika made his debut for the Nigeria national team in 2022 and has since earned 23 caps (as of January 2026). He was a member of the squad that represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, achieving the title of runner-up in the 2023 tournament held in Ivory Coast.Major Achievements Onyedika has secured multiple titles and accolades during his early professional career: * **Belgian Champion:** 2023/2024 (Club Brugge KV) * **Belgian Super Cup Winner:** 2025/2026 (Club Brugge KV) * **Danish Cup Winner:** 2021/2022 (FC Midtjylland) * **Africa Cup of Nations:** Runner-up 2023 (Nigeria) * **Danish Youth Champion:** 2021 (FC Midtjylland U19)Current Status As of 2026, Raphael Onyedika remains a key midfielder for Club Brugge, competing in the Jupiler Pro League and participating in international competitions like the UEFA Champions League. He is an active member of the Nigeria national team.