AFCON 2025: Rafael Onyedika Beams After Man-of-the-Match Display in Super Eagles Win Over Uganda

Raphael Onyedika could not hide his excitement after delivering a standout performance in Nigeria’s emphatic victory over Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Club Brugge midfielder, handed his first start of the tournament by Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle, justified the decision in style, scoring two goals in a commanding midfield display as Nigeria swept past the Cranes. Paul Onuachu also found the net in a dominant showing by the three-time African champions.

Onyedika’s impact earned him the Man of the Match award, a fitting recognition for a player who seized his opportunity on the continental stage.

Reflecting on the moment, the 24-year-old expressed deep gratitude and emotion.

“Thank you everyone. I feel very happy and I can’t really explain how I feel in this moment,” Onyedika told CAFonline. “These are moments I’ve been working towards all my life, and I’m happy that things are starting to come under control.”

The defensive midfielder also spoke about the patience required to succeed at international level, especially in a competitive Super Eagles squad.

“It’s the same as for any other player—when you’re not playing, you have to stay focused, keep working hard and wait for your opportunity,” he said. “It’s about being ready when that opportunity comes, performing whenever the coach calls on you, because in the end it’s the coach who decides who plays.”

Onyedika acknowledged the high standards set by Chelle and the demanding environment within the squad.

“It feels good, but it’s also tough because of the standards and demands we set in training and in games,” he added. “Eric Chelle expects a lot from the players and we push everyone. It’s amazing.”

With Nigeria finishing the group stage strongly, Onyedika’s performance has strengthened his case for more minutes as the Super Eagles head into the knockout rounds with confidence and depth.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio