Nigerian central defender Vince Osuji impressed on Saturday as Club Brugge defeated KV Kortrijk 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at their Basecamp training facility. Remarkably, Osuji played in an unaccustomed advanced role and netted both goals for the Belgian giants in a confident display.
Typically deployed at the heart of defence, Osuji was pushed forward during the match and made the most of the opportunity, showcasing sharp movement and composure in front of goal. His brace secured a solid result as the team fine-tunes preparations for the upcoming season.
The 18 year old’s performance was not the only highlight for Nigerian football fans. Noah Oliseh, the son of former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, also featured for Club Brugge in the encounter. The younger Oliseh, a midfielder, was introduced in the second half and displayed glimpses of his father’s composed style on the ball.
Osuji, who is eligible to represent Nigeria internationally, continues to raise his profile within Brugge’s developmental setup. His versatility and goal-scoring cameo have sparked conversation about how he might fit into more senior roles in the near future.
Club Brugge’s coaching staff were said to be pleased with the fitness levels and energy shown by both youngsters. The match served as a vital run-out for the squad, with several youth players gaining minutes ahead of a busy 2025/26 campaign.
Editorial
We’re always delighted when young Nigerian talents thrive abroad, and Vince Osuji’s unexpected attacking exploits for Club Brugge were nothing short of thrilling. It’s not every day a centre-back bags a brace especially in pre-season and it speaks volumes about his adaptability and footballing intelligence.
We believe this kind of performance deserves attention from national selectors. Osuji’s ability to adjust roles and deliver underlines a key quality in modern football versatility. It’s a trait increasingly demanded by top teams, and Nigeria’s national side would do well to keep tabs on this emerging star.
Just as noteworthy is the inclusion of Noah Oliseh. Watching the next generation of a Super Eagles icon step onto the pitch fills us with both nostalgia and anticipation. These family legacies in football are powerful—they connect eras and carry a unique motivational weight.
We’re encouraged by Club Brugge’s willingness to entrust Nigerian youths with meaningful minutes. This trust fosters development, and it affirms what we’ve always believed: that with the right support, Nigerian players can excel at any level.
We began by lauding Osuji’s goals and end with a hope may this be the start of a breakthrough season for both him and Noah Oliseh.
Did You Know?
- Vince Osuji joined Club Brugge in 2022 from a grassroots academy in Nigeria.
- Sunday Oliseh captained Nigeria to Olympic gold in 1996 and scored a famous goal against Spain at the 1998 World Cup.
- Club Brugge have won the Belgian First Division A 18 times, most recently in 2022.
- Noah Oliseh plays as a central midfielder and is also eligible to represent Belgium.
- Club Brugge’s Basecamp is one of the most advanced training centres in Belgian football, with cutting-edge recovery and fitness tech.
