Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has put to rest any rumours surrounding Raphael Onyedika’s absence from the starting line-up during their 3-0 win over KV Kortrijk, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite speculation linking the Nigerian midfielder with a move to Galatasaray during the summer transfer window, Hayen has clarified that Onyedika’s late return from international duty, not transfer issues, was the reason for his benching.
Onyedika had been heavily linked with a switch to the Turkish giants, where he would have teamed up with his Nigerian compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Reports even suggested that personal terms had been agreed, and there were claims that Onyedika had submitted a transfer request in an attempt to force the move.
However, with the Turkish transfer window closing without any deal being finalised, Onyedika remained with Club Brugge.
In response to swirling rumours, Hayen explained the real reason behind Onyedika’s absence from the starting XI.
“The fact that Onyedika starts on the bench has nothing to do with the transfer period, he only returned late after the international period so I don’t want to take any risks,” Hayen said, via the official Club Brugge channels.
Onyedika had recently represented Nigeria, playing a key role in the Super Eagles’ impressive performances against Benin and Rwanda during the September international break.
Onyedika eventually came off the bench in the 60th minute, helping Brugge secure a commanding 3-0 win over Kortrijk.
The Nigerian midfielder’s presence helped solidify Brugge’s midfield as the champions comfortably saw out the game, continuing their strong start to the Jupiler Pro League season.
Nigeria's Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, is gearing up to announce his final 25-man… Read More
Turkis Super Lig giants, Galatasaray is set to reshape their transfer strategy following the season-ending… Read More
Super Lig giants Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to include Turkish winger Yunus Akgün plus a… Read More
Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has revealed former Chelsea defensive midfielder, Mikel… Read More
Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi, has named for Belgium and Chelsea… Read More
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach, Alloysius Uzoma Agu, has heaped praise on Udinese… Read More