Onyedika ready for play-offs as he returns from injury and is poised to play Barcelona this week

SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received a big boost ahead of Nigeria's forthcoming World Cup play-off as midfield anchorman Raphael Onyedika successfully returned from injury over the weekend and is set to play in the Champions League too.

Club Brugge midfielder Onyedika, 24, had been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during a league match against Westerlo in September, forcing him to miss seven matches across all competitions. Highly sought after by several English clubs, Onyedika had been a doubt for the play-offs but it now appears that he will be fit and available for selection.

Over the weekend, Onyedika returned to action Belgian Jupiler Pro League, coming on in the 63rd minute in a match against Dender, which his side won 2-1. He is now poised to play against Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League game on Wednesday, putting him in full stead for selection for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are due to feature in a World Cup play-off tournament in Morocco between November 13 and 18, starting off with their first game against Gabon's Black Panthers at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Thursday, November 13. While Nigeria take on Gabon, Cameroon will be facing DR Congo in another game and the winner from each encounter will play in the final to earn the African play-off spot and then feature in an inter-continental play-off in March to qualify for the World Cup.

Onyedika now appears fully fit to play in the tournament after five weeks out on the sidelines and no doubt, Mr Chelle will be delighted with his recovery. Looking forward to the match against the Catalan giants,  Onyedika has already expressed confidence in his team's chances of earning a result against the mighty Barcelona

He added:  “I'm missing some match practice now but that short half-hour against Dender has given me confidence that I'll be ready for the match against Barcelona next Wednesday. It's clear to me that it won't be an easy task again next Wednesday but nevertheless, everyone here is looking forward to it. We know what's coming but we can't be afraid.”

Club Brugge have lost three of the last four meetings between them and Barcelona, so will be looking to avoid a defeat in front of their home fans on Wednesday. Onyedika will likely start the fixture but he may not play the entire 90 minutes because he is not fully match fit.