Raphael Onyedika

Raphael Onyedika Nwadike (; born 19 April 2001) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt and the Nigeria national team.

Club career Midtjylland Onyedika used to play street football before joining Nigerian club F.C. Ebedei's academy at the age of 15. After three years in Ebedei, Onyedika joined the academy of FC Midtjylland in Denmark, an affiliate club to FC Ebedei, shortly after his 18th birthday.

In his first full season in FC Midtjylland, he impressed in the U19 League and in the UEFA Youth League with his physique, speed and playing style. On 1 July 2020, he signed his first five-year professional contract with the club until June 2025. To gain more experience, Onyedika was loaned out to Midtjylland's affiliate club, Danish 1st Division-side FC Fredericia, on 19 August 2020 for the whole 2020–21 season. Onyedika did well on his loan spell, playing 28 games and scoring three goals. The season went well enough for the Nigerian to be named in TV3 Sport's team of the year in the Danish 1st Division.

Onyedika returned to Midtjylland in the summer 2021 and was promoted to the first team squad. He got his official debut for Midtjylland on 16 July 2021 against Odense Boldklub, the first game of the 2021–22 Danish Superliga, where he was in the starting line-up and played the whole game.

Club Brugge On 28 August 2022, Onyedika signed a five-year contract with Club Brugge in Belgium.

Eintracht Frankfurt In August 2026, Raphael Onyedika joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Club Brugge in a €9m deal, with add‑ons potentially taking the package to €10m.

International career In September 2022, Raphael Onyedika was first called up with the Nigeria national team by coach José Peseiro. He honours his first selection at this gathering on 27 September 2022 in a friendly match against Algeria. He came into play in place of Frank Onyeka in this match lost by the Nigerians (2–1 final score).

On 29 December 2023, he was selected in the list of 25 Nigerian players selected by José Peseiro to compete in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

On 11 December 2025, Onyedika was called up to the Nigeria squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Style of play

Raphael Onyedika is primarily a defensive midfielder, known for his physical strength, ball-winning ability, and tactical discipline. He excels at breaking up opposition play through interceptions and well-timed tackles, while also possessing the composure to retain possession under pressure. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly, and he often serves as a shield in front of the defense.

Onyedika also contributes to progressive build-up play, demonstrating good passing range and the ability to carry the ball forward. His style has drawn comparisons to classic holding midfielders, combining defensive solidity with transitional play.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Onyedika goal. third place: 2025

Individual 2023–24

Orders