'Happy to be back' - Club Brugge boss admits he has not really talked to Onyedika about Libya ordeal

Club Brugge head coach, Nicky Hayen, has revealed that he hasn't had an extensive conversation with Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika following his return from a harrowing experience in Libya.

Onyedika and his Super Eagles teammates were held hostage for around 20 hours at Al-Abraq Airport while on international duty for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.

Onyedika was part of the Nigerian squad set to face Libya's Mediterranean Knights in the second leg of their AFCON qualifier, after Nigeria had secured a 1-0 win in Uyo.

However, upon arriving in Libya, the team's flight was diverted from Benghazi to Al-Abraq, where the Super Eagles were reportedly held without access to food, water, or internet for nearly a day.

The harrowing incident led to the Nigerian players refusing to play the match, opting instead to return to Nigeria. 

The decision came amid growing concerns over their safety and well-being in the volatile North African region.

After returning to Europe, Onyedika rejoined Club Brugge for the continuation of the 2024/2025 season. 

Despite the ordeal, Nicky Hayen said Onyedika appeared in good spirits and eager to focus on football.

"He has returned quite well. We have recuperated a few players earlier so we were able to train more tactically and he was also a part of that. What I got from him is positive," Nicky Hayen told reporters at the pre-match press conference, before his side's trip to Westerlo.

Deila also praised Onyedika's mentality and attitude following the incident, noting the midfielder's professionalism in quickly getting back into the rhythm of club football.

"The mindset he shows here is positive. I have not really talked to him about the incident. We have actually given him a warm feeling straight away when he returned.

"I asked how he was doing and he was happy to be back, and that's actually what we wanted to do, to confirm that here is a warm family."

Since joining Club Brugge from FC Midtjylland in 2022, the 22-year-old Nigerian has become a key player for the Belgian side. 

This season, Onyedika has made 11 appearances across all competitions, contributing with one assist from his deep-lying midfield role.

The Belgian Pro League giants are now looking ahead to their next fixture against Westerlo, with  Nicky Hayen confident that Onyedika's focus is firmly back on the pitch after the unsettling experience in Libya.

Adeyemi Adewale

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