Nigerian youngster is Midtjylland’s Champions League hero in win over Celtic

The Wolves just lost Frank Onyeka to Brentford, but they’ve uncovered another Nigerian youngster as they reached the third qualifying round of Europe’s biggest club competition

Midtjylland has a new Nigerian star, and that’s Raphael Onyedika. The 20-year-old scored the winner as the Danish side beat Celtic 2-1 in the second leg of their second qualifying round Champions League clash to progress to the next round.

Nigerian players have had success with the Danish club in the past. Paul Onuachu started his European journey with them, while Onyeka only recently left to sign for Brentford.

Onyedika might be the latest Nigerian player to make a name for himself at the club. Midtjylland has an agreement with FC Ebedei in Nigeria, which is the club where they signed both Onuachu and Onyeka.

Onyedika also followed a similar path after arriving from the Ijebu-Ode based club last month. Wednesday night’s Champions League clash was only his fourth game since joining the club.

Midtjylland went into the clash with a slender advantage, having played out a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park in the first leg last week.

However, it looked like they were starring at a defeat at the MCH Arena as The Bhoys took the lead three minutes after half-time through captain Callum McGregor, who fired home a beautiful shot after the Danish side failed to clear properly.

Knowing his side were heading for an exit, Midtjylland’s manager Brian Priske made two changes, including Onyedika for Charles in the 59th minute.

The change worked as Awer Mabil drew the home side level two minutes later. Midtjylland pressed for the winner, but Celtic held on for the extra time.

However, their resilience was finally broken four minutes into the first half of extra time as Joel Andersson found Onyedika, who then fired in past Scott Bain in Celtic’s goal to send Priske’s men into the third qualifying round of the Champions League.