Raphael Onyedika plays football for Club Brugge and the Nigerian national team. He made it into the Nigeria squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Onyedika, a defensive midfielder, has been a key player for Club Brugge, participating in 32 games this season and scoring a goal.
Galatasaray bid 15 million Euros for him, but Club Brugge turned it down. Onyedika might step in for the injured Alhassan Yusuf in Nigeria’s final AFCON Group A match.
Meet Raphael Onyedika Nwadike: Introduction
Raphael Onyedika Nwadike, born on April 19, 2001, in Imo State, Nigeria, has emerged as a promising Nigerian professional footballer.
At the age of 22, he stands tall at 1.84 meters and plays a crucial role as a midfielder for the Belgian club Club Brugge and the Nigeria national team.
Biography
Raphael’s journey into professional football is a testament to his dedication and talent. He transitioned from street football to the F.C. Ebedei’s academy at the age of 15.
After three years with Ebedei, he took a significant step by joining the academy of FC Midtjylland in Denmark at the age of 18, shortly after his birthday.
Early Life and Education
Onyedika’s early life revolved around the streets, showcasing his skills in street football before finding his way to organized training.
His time in the FC Midtjylland academy highlighted his physical prowess, speed, and cash playing style, earning him a professional contract with the club until June 2025.
Career
Before joining F.C. Ebedei’s academy at the age of 15, Onyedika enjoyed playing street football. His journey took a significant turn when he joined the academy of FC Midtjylland in Denmark, an affiliate club to FC Ebedei, shortly after turning 18.
Impressive Start in FC Midtjylland
In his initial season at FC Midtjylland, Onyedika caught attention with his impressive physique, speed, and skillful playing style in the U19 League and UEFA Youth League.
This led to him signing his first professional contract in July 2020, securing a five-year deal with the club until June 2025.
Loan Spell at FC Fredericia
To gain more experience, Onyedika was loaned out to FC Fredericia, a Danish 1st Division-side, for the entire 2020–21 season.
During this loan spell, he showcased his talent by playing 28 games and scoring three goals, earning a spot on TV3 Sport’s team of the year in the Danish 1st Division.
Return and Debut in Midtjylland’s First Team
Onyedika returned to Midtjylland in the summer of 2021 and was promoted to the first team squad. His official debut for Midtjylland took place on 16 July 2021 against Odense Boldklub, marking the start of the 2021–22 Danish Superliga.
Move to Club Brugge
In a significant move, Onyedika signed a five-year contract with Club Brugge in Belgium on 28 August 2022.
International Recognition with Nigeria National Team
In September 2022, Onyedika received his first call-up to the Nigeria national team under coach José Peseiro. He made his debut in a friendly match against Algeria on 27 September 2022.
Africa Cup of Nations Selection
On 29 December 2023, Onyedika was named among the 25 Nigerian players selected by José Peseiro to compete in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Personal Life
As of 2024, Raphael, a 22-year-old midfielder, is dedicated to his football career. He is not married and does not have a girlfriend, focusing on his professional commitments.
Born into a family in Imo State, Nigeria, there is limited information about his siblings or his parents’ names. Speculations suggest that his parents are of Igbo descent.
Parents: Father and Mother
Despite his rising prominence in football, details about Raphael Onyedika’s parents remain scarce. The only known information is that he grew up with them in Imo State, Nigeria.
The lack of specific details adds an air of mystery to his personal life.
Siblings: Brother and Sister
Regrettably, there is no available information about Raphael’s siblings. Their names and roles in his life remain undisclosed, maintaining a level of privacy uncommon in the world of professional athletes.
Net Worth (as of 2024)
As of December 2023, Raphael Onyedika’s estimated net worth ranges from £2.5 to 7 million Euros or $5 million. Currently on a 5-year contract with Club Brugge, he earns £11,000 weekly, amounting to £572,000 annually.
Background Informations
| Full Name | Raphael Onyedika Nwadike |
| Date of Birth | 19 April 2001 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 22 years old |
| Place of Birth | Imo State, Nigeria |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position(s) | Midfielder |
| Current Team | Club Brugge |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Number | 15 |
| Youth Career | 2016–2019: Ebedei 2019–2020: Midtjylland |
| Senior Career | 2020–2022: Midtjylland (37 Apps, 2 Gls) 2020–2021: → Fredericia (loan) (28 Apps, 3 Gls) 2022–: Club Brugge (49 Apps, 0 Gls) |
| International Career | 2022–: Nigeria (5 Apps, 0 Gls) |
In conclusion
Raphael Onyedika’s journey from the streets of Nigeria to the professional football arenas of Europe is nothing short of remarkable.
His dedication, talent, and commitment to his craft have positioned him as a rising star in the football world, with a promising future ahead.
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