Raphael Onyedika Hails Chukwueze After Uganda Win, Promises Teammate Gift

Raphael Onyedika left the pitch smiling on Tuesday night, not just because Nigeria had sealed a 3-1 win over Uganda, but because his partnership with Samuel Chukwueze had once again delivered on the big stage.

The Super Eagles midfielder was in inspired form as the Super Eagles secured all three points against the Uganda Cranes in their final Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Onyedika scored twice in the second half, with both goals laid on by Chukwueze, while Paul Onuachu also found the net as Eric Chelle’s side completed a convincing victory.

Speaking after the game, Onyedika was quick to single out his teammate for praise, admitting he now owes the winger a special thank you.

“I need to buy Samuel Chukwueze a gift,” he told reporters. “All my three Super Eagles goals came from his assists. A few years ago, I never imagined this moment.”

The brace earned the Club Brugge midfielder the Man of the Match award, a fitting reward for a performance full of energy, timing and composure.

Reflecting on how the goals came about, Onyedika revealed that the understanding between him and Chukwueze was no accident, but the product of hours on the training ground.

“It’s exactly what we train for, so it’s just a matter of seconds. You have to make a decision, and sometimes when you decide, it doesn’t happen right away, but you just have to be ready,” he said.

“I know Samuel really well, and every time he dribbles, he always looks for the first person and then cuts back. I try to stay in that position as much as I can, and today I was in a good spot again.”

The midfielder also spoke emotionally about winning the individual honour at the Fez Stadium, describing it as a moment he has worked towards for most of his career.

“I feel really happy and I can’t explain why. This is the moment I’ve been working for my whole life, and I’m really happy it finally happened,” he added.