Club Brugge Include Nigerians Onyedika, Osuji in Champions League Squad

Belgian giants Club Brugge have officially named Nigerian duo Raphael Onyedika and Vince Osuji in their UEFA Champions League squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

Onyedika, who had been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer — with West Ham United and Crystal Palace reportedly interested — was eventually persuaded to remain in Brugge for at least another season.

Meanwhile, Osuji, who joined the Belgian side from Swedish outfit Kalmar in January, has been rewarded with a place in the squad following a promising start to life in Belgium.

Also listed is Nigerian-born defender Kaye Furo, giving him a chance to feature on Europe’s grandest stage.

Opinion: A Big Stage for Nigerian Talent

For Nigerian football fans, the inclusion of Onyedika, Osuji, and Furo in Brugge’s Champions League squad is more than just squad news — it is a sign of the growing footprint of Nigerian talent in Europe.

Onyedika has been a pillar in Brugge’s midfield, and staying back to test himself in the Champions League rather than chasing a Premier League move shows maturity and ambition. If he performs well against Europe’s elite, his stock will rise even higher, and the “big move” will come naturally.

Osuji, on the other hand, represents the new wave of Nigerian players gradually breaking into the spotlight. The Champions League is a dream stage for him to announce himself to the world, while Furo’s inclusion only highlights how deep the pipeline of Nigerian talent runs.

For Brugge, this is smart squad-building. For Nigeria, it is a source of pride and excitement. If these young stars shine under the floodlights of Europe, it won’t just boost their careers — it could also strengthen the Super Eagles’ depth in the coming years.