Onyedika explains why Okocha inspired him as Frankfurt unveil Super Eagles midfielder

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has outlined his ambitions after completing a permanent move to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Club Brugge star says he wants to help the German side return to European football while following the path of Nigerian legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.

The 25-year-old was officially unveiled on Wednesday after leaving Belgian champions Club Brugge in a deal that could rise to €10 million with performance-related bonuses. Frankfurt secured one of their long-term transfer targets at a price well below his reported market value of €23 million because the midfielder had entered the final year of his contract in Belgium.

Onyedika signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Deutsche Bank Park until June 30, 2031. The agreement does not include a release clause, while Club Brugge retained a five percent sell-on clause for any future transfer. He will wear the No. 25 shirt.

Despite attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Ittihad, the Nigeria international chose the Bundesliga as the next step in his career.

Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krösche believes Onyedika's physical strength, tactical awareness and consistency will strengthen a midfield that is being rebuilt ahead of the new season. The club expects him to form part of a new-look partnership with fellow midfielder Noel Aseko as Frankfurt look to improve after missing out on European qualification last season.

Speaking during his unveiling, Onyedika made it clear that his focus is on helping Frankfurt compete at the highest level again.

“We want to try to bring the club back to Europe.”

The Nigerian also revealed his personal ambitions.

“I also want to win trophies.”

His early impressions of life in Germany have been positive.

“My new team-mates are amazing and have already helped me a lot. The coach is very approachable too. I haven’t seen much apart from the club, and I’ve just had my first training session. Hopefully I’ll be able to explore a bit more in the coming weeks.”

Onyedika added that his priority is to continue improving while making an immediate impact.

“I want to help the team as much as possible. I want to play here and develop.”

Onyedika hails Okocha as Nigeria legend

The move also carries special meaning because Onyedika has become the sixth Nigerian international to represent Eintracht Frankfurt, joining a list that includes Super Eagles icon Jay-Jay Okocha.

Okocha dazzled Frankfurt supporters between 1992 and 1996 with his flair and creativity before becoming one of Africa's greatest footballers. His performances in Germany remain part of the club's history, making him a natural role model for another Nigerian arriving at Deutsche Bank Park.

Onyedika admitted that Okocha's reputation stretches far beyond Frankfurt and remains as strong as ever back home in Nigeria.

“Everybody in Nigeria knows about Jay-Jay Okocha. He’s a real legend in our country. Everyone knows about what he did at Eintracht and also in England.”

Onyedika arrives in Germany after four successful years with Club Brugge, where he won two Belgian Pro League titles, the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup. The defensive midfielder also gained valuable experience on Europe's biggest stage, making 24 UEFA Champions League appearances across three seasons.

His international career has continued to grow as well. The midfielder has earned 26 caps for Nigeria and played an important role in the Super Eagles squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Frankfurt supporters may not have to wait long to see him in action. Onyedika is expected to make his unofficial debut in a pre-season friendly against Hull City before his competitive debut, which is scheduled for August 21 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal against fifth-tier side St. Tönis 1911/20. Frankfurt then begin their Bundesliga campaign away to Union Berlin on August 29, with Onyedika hoping to play a key role in the club's push to return to European competition while adding more trophies to his growing collection.