Club Brugge include son of ex-Super Eagles defender in provisional squad to face Rangers

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has confirmed his 25-man provisional squad for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League playoff second leg tie against Rangers, with two Nigerian players making the roster. 

As anticipated, Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been called up for the decisive fixture at the Jan Breydelstadion. 

Joining him is Kaye Furo, a Belgium U19 international of Nigerian descent, who has been promoted to the senior squad.

Kaye is the son of former Super Eagles defender Iyenemi Furo, a key member of Nigeria's squad at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, where he featured in four of the team’s six matches.

Later that year, Iyenemi represented the country at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, playing twice for the Dream Team II.

Kaye's promotion to the first team comes in the wake of an injury to forward Romeo Vermant, who was forced off at halftime in the first leg in Glasgow. 

Subsequent tests confirmed a muscle problem that will sideline him until after the September international break.

The 18-year-old striker has previously been named on the bench in a  Champions League third round qualifier against Salzburg and Jupiler Pro League game at KVC Westerlo but is still awaiting his senior debut. 

He has been prolific at youth level, scoring three goals in seven UEFA Youth League appearances and adding eight in 34 games for Club Brugge NXT in the Belgian second tier.

Should he feature against Rangers, Furo will make his senior bow wearing the number 87 shirt.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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