Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika is the current highest goalscorer in the Belgian championship play-off group; npflupdates.com reports.
Raphael Onyedika started his football career in Awada-Obosi, a community in Anambra state.
His father passed away when he was only two-year old, leaving the family in poverty in the Nigerian ancient city of Onitsha.
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The talented midfielder, was scouted by a Nigerian Football executive Churchill Oliseh(who’s an elder brother to ex footballer Sunday Oliseh).
According to Oliseh, he played a fatherly role to Onyedika who he recruited into his football academy Ebedei FC. And when he improved, he secured a lucrative move to FC Midtjylland in the Danish Superligaen.
What Oliseh said about Raphael Onyedika
“Raphael( Onyedika) calls me dad. (proud) I am like a daddy to him,” Oliseh said to Het Nieuwsblad (subscription required).
Describing the neighborhood in which the Super Eagles player grew up Oliseh said; “A turbulent environment. When I was looking for talent, I even needed security guards – there was so much unrest.
“And there, on the street, I found Raphael. He was already fifteen. But he was special.”
“Suddenly he wasn’t hungry anymore. Did he receive medical care? Stylish clothing. And maybe he could make something of his life after all.
“Raphael had talent, I saw that right away, but what mainly distinguished him from the others was his background.
“He was a fighter. Mentally he was strong, precisely because he had experienced so many setbacks. He was very determined. And he has a good heart – that always helps.”
In another story, former Super Eagles Captain Sunday Oliseh, opens up on the rare qualities of Bundesliga champion Victor Boniface.
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Boniface helped Bayer 04 Leverkusen win its first ever German Bundesliga title in history. More interesting, they became champions without losing a single match.
“Victor Boniface was once again extraordinary as Leverkusen grabbed it’s first ever Bundesliga title with 5 games left to play. Boniface is strong, skilful, intelligent, mobile, calm under pressure and i am convinced he will lead Nigeria to AFCON glory & more soon. Congrats Bro!!” Oliseh posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter handle) on Sunday evening.
