By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Club Brugge will be without Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika for their crucial Jupiler Pro League playoff match against KAA Gent on Thursday, May 1, at the Breydelstadion.
The 23-year-old received a one-match suspension after accumulating three yellow cards during the playoff round, a sanction handed down by the Belgian Football Union.
His latest booking came in the 38th minute of Brugge’s goalless draw against Union Saint-Gilloise on April 27. The earlier cautions were picked up in previous matches against Genk and Union SG.
Onyedika’s absence presents a challenge for manager Nicky Hayen, who is expected to call upon either Hugo Vetlesen or Casper Nielsen to fill the midfield void.
Despite his disciplinary struggles, seven yellow cards and two reds in all competitions this season, Onyedika has been a key figure for Club Brugge, featuring in 48 matches, scoring twice, and notching two assists.
Fortunately for Brugge, Onyedika will be eligible to return in time for Sunday’s Croky Cup final against Anderlecht, a pivotal fixture in their season.
