Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika endured a difficult night on Wednesday as his side fell to a 3-0 defeat against Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League.

The Nigeria international was tasked with containing one of Europe's most exciting young forwards, Geovany Quenda, who has already agreed a summer 2026 move to Premier League side Chelsea.

Sporting's teenage prodigy was a constant threat throughout the contest, showcasing the qualities that have established him as one of Europe’s most coveted young players.

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen deployed Onyedika in a close man-marking role during defensive phases, but it quickly became evident that the assignment was a demanding one.

In the 20th minute, the Super Eagles midfielder was booked for a foul on Quenda, leaving him on a disciplinary tightrope for the remainder of the match.

Quenda opened the scoring four minutes later with a composed left-footed strike into the bottom corner, and Sporting doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark when Luis Suárez produced a deft dinked finish.

Francisco Trincão wrapped up the victory in the 70th minute, with Quenda turning provider to cap an outstanding individual performance.

Onyedika, who was an unused substitute during Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is expected to be included in the Super Eagles' final squad for next month's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel