“I look up to Paul Pogba” – Super Eagles hopeful insists his qualities, ambition crucial to deciding for Belgian giants

The young Nigerian midfielder was linked to several clubs this summer but finally joined FCB a few days before the end of the transfer window

Nigerian midfield dynamo Raphael Onyedika has confessed his admiration for Frenchman Paul Pogba, maintaining that the Juventus star is his role model.

A versatile star per excellence, Pogba excels as a central midfielder, a left winger, an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder, and a deep-lying playmaker.

A World Cup winner and a four-time Serie A champion, Pogba, 29, is an inspiration to many young footballers, including 21-year-old Onyedika.

And Onyedika reveals he looks up to the former Manchester United man, even if he wants to chart his own path in the game.

“I like to win duels and am also good with the ball at the foot,” the Imo State-born midfielder said, as per Voetbal Nieuws.

“Personally, I look up to Paul Pogba. A lot of people say we look alike, but I just want to be the best version of myself.”

Why join Club Brugge?

On August 28, Onyedika completed a move from FC Midtjylland to Club Brugge for €10 million, the FCB's second most expensive signing this summer.

The youngster had been one of Nigeria's most promising young footballers last season.

He impressed in the Danish Sportligaen and Europa League, lifted the Danish Cup, and was awarded the Best Youngster Award in Denmark.

Onyedika snubbed Italian giants AC Milan to join Brugge, and the FC Ebedei academy product maintains that he signed for the Belgian champions because the club's ambition matches his.

“I chose Club Brugge because they are the best team in Belgium and because they want to win everything,” Onyedika said.

“I also want to win everything, so that's a good combination. I have also heard that Club Brugge has the best supporters in Belgium.”

Having committed to a five-year deal, Onyedika's contract with Club Brugge will not expire until the summer of 2027.