Onyedika Champions League drama no big deal says Club Brugge coach

After he openly criticised Raphael Onyedika for not shaking the hands of his replacement in a UEFA Champions League tie against Monaco, Club Brugge coach has said that incident is now in the past.

Onyedika appeared to make it clear he disagreed with coach Nicky Hayen’s decision to substitute him and so refused to shake his substitute’s hand, which immediately earned him a public dressing-down.

Hayen said the incident is now closed.

“Oh well, that incident was quickly forgotten. He played a fantastic game against Monaco and even scored a goal,” the coach told Het Nieuwsblad.

“We quickly discussed it and the conclusion was that it was a miscommunication. Afterward, he was already singing and dancing along with the festivities. That’s Onyedika. That guy has a down-to-earth outlook on life.”

For Club Brugge, Onyedika’s retention and resurgence are a blessing. While foreign interest has so far been absent, Hayen possesses a midfielder who is proving invaluable both defensively and offensively.

With the Nigerian in form, the Blues seem poised to further their ambitions in both the league and Europe.