From scoring goals to grooming stars – Ex-Super Eagles striker gets key coaching role in top European club
The Nigerian legacy continues in Belgium as Raphael Onyedika’s club just added a former Super Eagles forward to its coaching staff, and it’s a big step for African coaches abroad.
Former Super Eagles striker Joseph Akpala is transitioning from goal scorer to mentor as he takes on a key coaching role at top Belgian club Club Brugge.
The 38-year-old joins the staff as Player Development Coach, focusing on the individual growth of the club’s A-core players.
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Akpala returns to Club Brugge, where he played from 2008 to 2012, bringing valuable experience from his recent three seasons as assistant coach at KV Kortrijk.
His new role will see him nurture and develop talent within the first team, which includes compatriot Raphael Onyedika, helping to shape the next generation of stars.
Former Joseph Akpala is now first team coach in Belgium.
Joining Akpala on the coaching staff is José Alves, who arrives from RSC Anderlecht as Team Development Coach, responsible for the club’s long-term vision.
Per the club website, Alves, 42, has a wealth of experience as an assistant coach at several European clubs, including RC Lens and Toulouse, and as head coach of the Belgian U19 team.
Additionally, Mitch Delcour will move up from managing Club NXT to become Pathway Coach for the first team, overseeing the progression of young players between the youth setup and senior squad.
Together, Akpala, Alves, and Delcour strengthen the technical team led by Head Coach Nicky Hayen, supported by Game Preparation Coach Hayk Milkon, Physical Coach Eddie Rob, and Goalkeeper Coach Wouter Biebauw.
Akpala’s appointment continues the growing trend of former Nigerian internationals moving into influential coaching roles in Europe, leveraging their playing experience to develop future talent both on and off the pitch.
With his latest appointment, Akpala joins John Utaka as the latest former Super Eagles forward to make a managerial move in Europe.
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