Raphael Onyedika Praises Samuel Chukwueze After Uganda Win Promises Teammate Gift

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Raphael Onyedika left the pitch beaming on Tuesday night, not only because Nigeria secured a 3-1 win over Uganda, but also due to his thriving partnership with Samuel Chukwueze. The duo’s connection once again proved decisive on the big stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Onyedika scored twice in the second half, both set up by Chukwueze, while Paul Onuachu also found the net, helping head coach Éric Chelle’s side clinch a convincing Group C victory.

After the match, Onyedika was quick to laud his teammate, joking that he now owes Chukwueze a gift. “I need to buy Samuel Chukwueze a gift,” he said. “All my three Super Eagles goals came from his assists. A few years ago, I never imagined this moment.”

The Club Brugge midfielder’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, a fitting recognition for a display marked by energy, timing, and composure.

Reflecting on the goals, Onyedika explained that their seamless understanding is no accident, but the result of countless hours on the training ground. “It’s exactly what we train for, so it’s just a matter of seconds. You have to make a decision, and sometimes when you decide, it doesn’t happen right away, but you just have to be ready,” he said.

“I know Samuel really well, and every time he dribbles, he looks for the first person and then cuts back. I try to stay in that position as much as I can, and today I was in a good spot again.”

Onyedika also expressed heartfelt emotion about winning the individual honour at Fez Stadium. “I feel really happy and I can’t explain why. This is the moment I’ve been working for my whole life, and I’m really happy it finally happened,” he added.