Nigeria international, Raphael Onyedika played a key role in helping Club Brugge lift their first Belgian Cup in nearly a decade following a 2-1 victory over Anderlecht in Sunday’s final.
Onyedika started the match and featured for 74 minutes before making way for Hugo Vetlesen, earning a standing ovation from the Club Brugge fans for his disciplined and composed display in midfield.
The 24-year-old was instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game, as his precise distribution and intelligent positioning helped lay the foundation for Romeo Vermant’s match-winning brace.
Onyedika’s performance was a reflection of his growing influence in the heart of the Brugge midfield this season.
Romeo Vermant gave Club Brugge the lead just five minutes before the break, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Anderlecht.
He added his second in the 61st minute, slotting home calmly to double the advantage and put Brugge in firm control of the tie.
Although Anderlecht mounted a late push and managed to pull a goal back through substitute Luis Vazquez in the 91st minute, it proved too little too late.
The victory ended a 10-year wait for Cup glory for Club Brugge, whose last Belgian Cup triumph came in the 2014/2015 season. This latest success marks a record-extending 12th title for the club in the competition’s history.
Onyedika and his teammates now have their sights set on a potential domestic double, as they continue their campaign in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League Championship play-offs.
Club Brugge currently sits second in the six-team table with 46 points just one behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise.
Their next test in the play-offs comes on Sunday, May 11, when they travel to face Genk. Other sides in the title round include Anderlecht (4th, 36 pts), Antwerp (5th, 28 pts), and Gent (6th, 26 pts).
If Brugge can maintain their current form, they could be on track to close out the season in dominant fashion with two major trophies in the cabinet.
