…Raphael Onyedika expected to start against Uganda
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika says he is ready to represent Nigeria whenever his number is called by head coach Eric Chelle.
Onyedika has been one of Nigeria’s top-performing midfielders in Europe, featuring regularly in elite competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and the Belgian Pro League with Club Brugge. Despite his impressive club form, the 24-year-old is yet to play a minute at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
However, with the Super Eagles already through to the round of 16 with a game to spare, Chelle is expected to rotate his squad for the final Group C fixture against Uganda. The changes could see some regular starters rested and fringe players handed opportunities.
Speaking after the team’s final training session ahead of the clash at the Fez Stadium, Onyedika said he is unfazed by his lack of game time and remains focused on being ready whenever called upon.
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“It’s about being ready whenever the coach calls upon you,” Onyedika told reporters. “My job is to stay ready. The coach makes the decisions, and the players currently in those positions are also very good.”
He added that, if given the chance, he would play without pressure and simply stick to the qualities that have defined his career so far.
“There’s no need to put too much pressure on myself,” he said. “I just need to do my stuff — the things I normally do that brought me this far. I don’t need to overthink it.”
Onyedika’s opportunities in the national team have been limited by the presence of more experienced and established midfielders such as captain Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.
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