Back in the spring of 2019, Raphael Onyedika came to Ikast, in the Midwestern part of Jutland-Denmark, where he started at the academy. Prior to that, he had spent three years at the FC Ebedei Youth Club in Nigeria.
“I started playing football on the street when I was very young. Then I came to the academy in Nigeria as a 15-year-old, where I was for three years before coming to Ikast. It was quite difficult to move to Denmark in the beginning. It was a completely new country, a new culture, new weather and so on, says Onyedika about his first time as a football player.
In his first full season in FC Midtjylland, he impressed in the U19 League and in the UEFA Youth League with his physique, speed and tight playing style.
“It has gone well, I think. There are many in the club who have helped me adapt to Denmark. For example, the other African players in the club were important to me in the beginning,” remembers the 20-year-old player who has only visited his family in eastern Nigeria once since arriving at FCM.
Onyedika, who is also called ‘Rafa’, is also happy with his Danish host family, which FC Midtjylland uses to help players throughout the youth system.
“My host family has also played a big role in my career so far. They help me with everything I need and they support me in everything and come and watch my matches. I am very grateful for that.”
HAPPY YEAR IN FREDERICIA
As a youth player, the physically strong Onyedika most often appeared in the central defense of FCM’s U19 team.
In the last season he has been loaned out to FC Fredericia, where he played as a defensive midfielder.
“It was my first year as a senior player, and I just had to get used to it. The game is faster, so there were some mistakes in the beginning, but it kept getting better and better, says Onyedika, who was listed for 28 matches for Fredericia.
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The season went so well that the Nigerian attracted the attention of TV3 Sports’ selection for the year.
“I am very grateful that the coach gave me the chance and gave me so much playing time. My teammates also helped me a lot on the field. All in all, it was a good year, sums up a humble Onyedika.
In terms of whether he now sees himself as a midfielder or defender, there is no doubt.
“I do not think so much about what position I should play. I’m ready no matter what place the coach needs me in, ‘Rafa’ insists.
BACK IN CENTRAL JUTLAND
Returning to FC Midtjylland Onyedika says has come with some challenges, he’s happy to be back.
“It has been a good start so far. Although there has been a lot of hard physical training, it is great to be back in Central Jutland again, says Onyedika, who is a little slower to answer what his biggest strengths on the field are.