Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika lost out in the race for the season’s top African player in Belgium after the award went to Morocco defender Zakaria El Ouahdi.

The Belgian Pro League honour was claimed by the KRC Genk full-back, ending Onyedika’s hopes of landing the individual prize. Last year’s winner was fellow Nigerian Tolu Arokodare.

The setback comes as Onyedika weighs his future at Club Brugge after five years in Belgium. Interest in the midfielder is growing, with Galatasaray and VfL Wolfsburg among clubs tracking his situation ahead of the summer window.

Meanwhile in England, Vitor Pereira has hailed Taiwo Awoniyi following the striker’s starring role in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Awoniyi marked his 100th appearance for Forest with two goals and also won the penalty converted by Igor Jesus. The performance drew glowing praise from his manager.

“He brings everything. Taiwo Awoniyi is a danger player. He is not on the list in the Europa League, but we know he will push the defensive line of the opponents,” Pereira was quoted as saying.

The Nigeria international now has four goals and one assist in 14 league matches this term. Forest return to European action on Thursday when they face Aston Villa in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final.