Paul Onuachu Caged As Genk’s Title Hopes Fade

The Nigerian forward has been in the best form of his life in recent weeks, but he could not find his range as his side fell to a crushing defeat at the home of the champions

The Nigerian duo of Cyriel Dessers and Paul Onuachu was on the losing side while David Okereke celebrated the victory as Club Brugge edged a thrilling encounter 3-2 at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Onuachu has been the best striker in Belgium by some distance, notching 20 goals in 21 games before kickoff on Sunday afternoon.

But the Super Eagles star was kept quiet for the 76 minutes he spent on the pitch, as Brugge claimed the victory that extended their lead at the top of the First Division A to 12 points.

A to-and-fro clash saw Bast Dost hand the champions the lead in the 7th minute before Ito and Toma turned the tie in the visitors’ favour with two excellent strikes in the 24th and 34th minutes.

However, the second half was all Brugge as the hosts regained the initiative with Rudy Vormer’s leveller just past the hour.

Genk’s boss John van den Brom sent in former Heracles ace Dessers to replace Onuachu in the 76th-minute, but moments later, Brugge’s Mechele smashed home the winner for Phillipe Clemente’s side.

Nigerian youth international Okereke was thrown into the fray for Brugge in the 78th minute while transfer-linked Super Eagle Emmanuel Dennis was left on the bench throughout the encounter.

The loss leaves Onuachu and Genk trailing the league leaders by 12 points with two-thirds of the campaign gone.