Champion League
UCL: Nicky Hayen keeps Club Brugge tactical plans secret over Onyedika vs Barcelona
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen has refused to disclose his tactical plans involving midfielder Raphael Onyedika ahead of their high-stakes UEFA Champions League encounter with Barcelona at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
As the Belgian side prepare to face the Spanish giants, Hayen declined to confirm whether the Nigerian international would start the match or be used from the bench, opting instead to keep his selection strategy under wraps.
The coach’s guarded stance comes as Brugge look to recover from a 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on the previous matchday — a result that laid bare several defensive and structural weaknesses in the team.
Despite that setback, Onyedika is expected to play a key role in the tie, with his energy, defensive discipline, and composure in midfield regarded as crucial to Brugge’s hopes of regaining momentum on the European stage.
“Onyedika is fit enough. We’ll see tomorrow whether he starts or not,” Hayen said with a smile during his pre-match press conference, careful not to reveal too much about his plans.
“It’s still a football match, even if it’s against world-class players. We have to stay humble but also work hard — as a team and as individuals. It’s up to us to keep breathing.”
Onyedika missed Nigeria’s recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic due to a hamstring injury but is now fully fit for selection.
His return is a welcome boost not only for Club Brugge but also for the Super Eagles ahead of next year’s crucial World Cup play-offs.
The clash against Barcelona promises to test Brugge’s resilience as they seek to restore confidence and reignite their European campaign.
