'Club cannot replace him' - Calcoen lauds Onyedika after display in 6-goal thriller against Barcelona

Respected Belgian pundit Pieter-Jan Calcoen, Chief of Sports at Het Nieuwsblad, has heaped praise on Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika following his outstanding performance in Club Brugge's thrilling draw with Barcelona on Wednesday night.

One of the key pre-match debates centred on whether Onyedika, who had only just returned from injury, would be deemed fit enough to start.

Manager Nicky Hayen handed the midfielder his first starting appearance since September, and the 24-year-old duly repaid that faith with a composed and disciplined display against Barcelona's world-class midfield.

The encounter at Jan Breydelstadion was a pulsating affair, with Nicolò Tresoldi, Ferran Torres and Carlos Forbs all on target during an electrifying first half.

Lamine Yamal restored parity for the visitors shortly after the hour mark, before the outstanding Forbs reclaimed the lead for Club Brugge two minutes later.

An unfortunate own goal from Christos Tzolis eventually ensured the spoils were shared in a memorable 3-3 contest.

Onyedika's evening ended in the 84th minute, when he was withdrawn after collecting a first-half booking for a foul on Yamal. 

Calcoen noted that Onyedika's return from injury brought renewed balance and assurance to the Club Brugge midfield, as the Belgian side matched Barcelona for long stretches of an intense contest.

Speaking at half-time, Calcoen said: "It was striking how confident Club showed themselves. 

"The presence of the recovered Onyedika cannot be underestimated. He makes the players around him a few percentage points better. 

"Club cannot replace Onyedika. It's a shame he already picked up a yellow card."

With his injury woes now behind him, Onyedika is expected to earn a recall to the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon next week.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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