Osuji nets brace in unfamiliar role, son of ex-Super Eagles star also features for Club Brugge

Nigerian centre-back Vince Osuji delivered an impressive performance as Club Brugge secured a 2-0 win over KV Kortrijk in a pre-season practice match at the Basecamp on Saturday.

Osuji was not the only Nigerian player in action during the friendly as Kaye Furo, son of former Super Eagles defender Furo Iyenemi, featured for the entire second half.

Osuji, who joined the Belgian champions from Swedish club Kalmar FF in January for a reported €3 million fee potentially rising to €4 million, scored both goals in a display that underlined why he is considered one of the club’s most exciting prospects.

Despite being a defender, Osuji was deployed in midfield by coach Nicky Hayen for this friendly, and he seized the opportunity to impress. 

His first goal arrived in the 27th minute after a precise cross from Jorne Spileers found him in the box; Osuji reacted sharply to fire home on the rebound after the ball had struck the post. Just ten minutes later, he doubled Brugge’s lead with a superb lob over the Kortrijk goalkeeper, capitalising on a defensive lapse.

Before joining Brugge, Osuji had been linked with European clubs including Chelsea. 

His rise from Nigeria’s Cardinal Football Academy to European football reflects his growing reputation. 

While he is yet to make his competitive debut, his inclusion in the squad for the May 2025 clash against Antwerp signalled the coaching staff’s faith in his talent.

With key players like Casper Nielsen and Michal Skoras sidelined, Osuji’s emergence adds valuable depth ahead of Brugge’s upcoming friendly against Rangers FC in Glasgow, where he will look to further strengthen his claim for a place in Hayen’s plans.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: clubbrugge.be

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com