Onyedika relishes Frankfurt challenge

Nigerian Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika is embracing a fresh challenge after transferring to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, becoming the sixth Nigerian to represent the German team, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. The 25-year-old signed a five-year contract with Frankfurt, succeeding Austin Okocha in this role. He was presented with the number 25 jersey and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity during a video unveiling.

Onyedika emphasized his connection to his roots and ambitions, stating, "Before the badge, before the name on the shirt, there was an Eagle. Same fire, same passion, different colours. You don’t become an eagle, you just land somewhere new. Always an Eagle." As a decorated player, Onyedika has won two Belgian league titles, the Belgian Cup, the Belgian Super Cup, and the Danish Cup during his time with Club Brugge.

He has made 268 senior club appearances, including 24 in the UEFA Champions League, and has been a consistent starter for the Nigeria national team. Frankfurt's sport board member Markus Krösche highlighted Onyedika's remarkable consistency and experience, stating he is a valuable asset to the squad. Onyedika is set to make his Frankfurt debut in a pre-season friendly and could start in the DFB-Pokal round-robin tournament on August 21.