Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika netted his first Jupiler Pro League goal of the season on Saturday at Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium, but his effort proved futile as Club Brugge succumbed 3-2 to Sint-Truidense VV.

Club Brugge’s early dominance paid off in the 16th minute when Onyedika calmly slotted past former Japan U23 international goalkeeper of Nigerian descent, Leo Kokubo. 

Kokubo, who has represented Japan at U16, U18, U19, U21, and U23 levels, remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his father.

From a Nigerian perspective, the spotlight shifted to teenage striker Kaye Furo, son of former Super Eagles centre-back Furo Iyenemi. 

In his sixth career appearance for Club Brugge's first team, Furo marked the occasion by scoring his first senior goal, briefly giving the Belgian side hope after coming off the bench to level the score at 2-2 in the 70th minute.

However, Andrés Ferrari dashed those hopes, netting the game-winning goal in the 81st minute. 

Furo came close to salvaging a point once more late in the match, only to see his powerful effort strike the woodwork.

This season, the 18-year-old Furo made his debuts the Croky Cup, Jupiler Pro League and Champions League qualifiers, signalling a promising start to his senior career.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel