German Onugkha
|
Onugkha with Krasnodar-2 in 2019 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | German Olegovich Onugkha | ||
| Date of birth | 6 July 1996 | ||
| Place of birth | Moscow, Russia | ||
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Copenhagen | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016 | Torpedo Tamala[2] | ||
| 2016 | Narovchat[2] | ||
| 2016 | Atmis Kevdo-Melsitovo[2] | ||
| 2016–2017 | Zenit-M Penza[2] | ||
| 2017 | Zenit Penza | 11 | (2) |
| 2018 | Volgar Astrakhan | 10 | (3) |
| 2018–2020 | Krasnodar-2 | 59 | (17) |
| 2019–2021 | Krasnodar | 2 | (0) |
| 2020 | → Tambov (loan) | 11 | (4) |
| 2021 | → Vejle (loan) | 17 | (5) |
| 2021–2024 | Vejle | 51 | (24) |
| 2021 | → Krylia Sovetov (loan) | 4 | (0) |
| 2021–2022 | → Rubin Kazan (loan) | 23 | (2) |
| 2022 | → Bnei Sakhnin (loan) | 8 | (0) |
| 2024– | Copenhagen | 4 | (0) |
| 2025 | → Vejle (loan) | 15 | (10) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 29 May 2025 | |||
German Olegovich Onugkha (Russian: Герман Олегович Ону́гха; born 6 July 1996) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Danish Superliga club Copenhagen.
Career
Early life and youth career
German Olegovich Onugkha was born on 6 July 1996 in Moscow, Russia, to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father. His family relocated to his mother's hometown of Penza when he was three years old, and he was raised in Penza by his mother.[3][4] As a child, Onugkha took up futsal, joining a local youth sports centre at age six; his first coach was Yuriy Fyodorovich Klopov.[3] He played futsal throughout his childhood but stopped playing football at the age of 11 to focus on his education.[3] Onugkha returned to the sport around the age of 14, resuming training on full-sized pitches as an adolescent.[3] By 16, he was playing in amateur competitions and joined Atmis, a futsal club that competed in Penza Oblast's regional football championship during the summer months.[3]
Following a friendly match against Zenit Penza, Onugkha was invited to join the club by director Dmitry Gradilenko. He made his debut in the Russian Professional Football League (PFL) under coach Vladimir Radkevich at the age of 20, going on to play 11 matches and scoring two goals during the 2017–18 season.[5]
In February 2018, Onugkha signed with Volgar Astrakhan, a club competing in the Russian Football National League (FNL). He made his debut on 4 March 2018 in a home fixture against Khimki and recorded three goals in ten appearances for the club.[1]
Krasnodar
He made his debut for the main squad of FC Krasnodar on 25 September 2019 in a Russian Cup game against Nizhny Novgorod.[6] He made his Russian Premier League debut for Krasnodar on 5 July 2020 in a game against Zenit Saint Petersburg, replacing Marcus Berg in the 82nd minute.[7]
On 11 August 2020, he joined FC Tambov on loan for the 2020–21 season, with an option to purchase.[8] On 26 January 2021, the loan was terminated early.[9]
Vejle
On 1 February 2021, Onugkha joined Danish Superliga club Vejle on loan from FC Krasnodar until the end of the 2020–21 season, with an option to purchase.[10] On 4 July 2021, Krasnodar confirmed that Vejle had exercised this option and acquired Onugkha permanently.[11]
Loans and return
Shortly after his permanent move, Onugkha was loaned to Russian Premier League side Krylia Sovetov Samara for the 2021–22 season, again including an option to buy.[12] However, this loan was terminated early on 1 September 2021, when Onugkha moved on loan to Rubin Kazan for the remainder of the season.[13] Rubin opted not to exercise their purchase option, and he returned to Vejle.[14] Following a subsequent loan spell at Israeli club Bnei Sakhnin, Onugkha returned to Vejle for the latter part of the 2022–23 season, helping the team achieve promotion from the Danish 1st Division to the Danish Superliga.[15]
Breakthrough with Vejle
During the 2023–24 Danish Superliga season, Onugkha emerged as a key player for Vejle Boldklub, scoring 15 goals in 31 league appearances and finishing as the league's top scorer.[16] His goals played a crucial role in Vejle's successful fight against relegation.[17] On 20 May 2024, he scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Hvidovre IF, securing the club's Superliga status for another season.[18]
Onugkha's performances earned praise for his versatility and consistency in front of goal. Commentators described him as a complete forward, capable of scoring from distance, in the box, and with headers.[19][20]
Copenhagen
Onugkha's form attracted interest from larger clubs, and in September 2024, he signed a two-year contract with reigning champions FC Copenhagen, joining as a replacement for departing striker Orri Óskarsson.[21][22] Sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen cited Onugkha's proven quality and familiarity with the league, while head coach Jacob Neestrup also praised the acquisition, stating: "He is a player who has hurt many opponents – including ourselves... His raw strength, aerial ability and finishing skills with both feet make us believe in him as a future goalscorer for F.C. Copenhagen."[21]
However, Onugkha struggled to establish himself in Copenhagen, making four league appearances without scoring during the first half of the 2024–25 season.[1] Often used as a substitute, he found limited opportunities and fell down the attacking pecking order by the winter break.[23][24]
Return to Vejle (loan)
In January 2025, Copenhagen loaned Onugkha back to Vejle for the remainder of the season, aiming to provide him with regular playing time and an opportunity to regain confidence.[25][26] Onugkha himself welcomed the return, describing it as a "win-win" for both him and Vejle. "Maybe I could have stayed in Copenhagen... but I knew 100% that if I came here I would get to play. I really need to play, I need to get my confidence again," he said upon rejoining Vejle. Vejle were again fighting to avoid relegation, and Onugkha was determined to help the team survive, noting that in 2023–24 "we did it together."[27]
On his return, Onugkha quickly rediscovered his scoring touch, netting seven goals in his first five league matches.[28][29] His contributions included a solo effort in a 3–2 win over AGF, a long-range strike against Lyngby, and two goals from corner kicks.[30][31] Vejle head coach Steffen Kielstrup praised Onugkha's maturity and impact, calling his early scoring run "impressive."[28] In recognition of his form, Onugkha was named Superliga Player of the Month for March 2025.[32] His contributions helped Vejle escape relegation in the second to last round.[33]
Personal life
He was born to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father.[34]
Career statistics
- As of match played 18 May 2025[1]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Zenit Penza | 2017–18 | Russian Second League | 11 | 2 | — | — | — | 11 | 2 | |||
| Volgar Astrakhan | 2017–18 | Russian First League | 10 | 3 | — | — | — | 10 | 3 | |||
| Krasnodar-2 | 2018–19 | Russian First League | 35 | 5 | — | — | 5[b] | 1 | 40 | 6 | ||
| 2019–20 | Russian First League | 23 | 11 | — | — | — | 23 | 11 | ||||
| 2020–21 | Russian First League | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 59 | 17 | 0 | 0 | — | 5 | 1 | 64 | 18 | |||
| Krasnodar | 2018–19 | Russian Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20 | Russian Premier League | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | |||
| Total | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |||
| Tambov (loan) | 2020–21 | Russian Premier League | 11 | 4 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 13 | 6 | ||
| Vejle (loan) | 2020–21 | Danish Superliga | 17 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 19 | 5 | ||
| Krylia Sovetov Samara (loan) | 2021–22 | Russian Premier League | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| Rubin Kazan (loan) | 2021–22 | Russian Premier League | 23 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 25 | 3 | ||
| Bnei Sakhnin (loan) | 2022–23 | Israeli Premier League | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 8 | 0 | ||
| Vejle | 2022–23 | Danish 1st Division | 14 | 6 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 16 | 6 | ||
| 2023–24 | Danish Superliga | 31 | 15 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 32 | 15 | |||
| 2024–25 | Danish Superliga | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 3 | |||
| Total | 51 | 24 | 3 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 54 | 24 | |||
| Copenhagen | 2024–25 | Danish Superliga | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[c] | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | |
| Vejle (loan) | 2024–25 | Danish Superliga | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 14 | 10 | ||
| Career total | 214 | 67 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 232 | 71 | ||
- ^ Includes Russian Cup, Danish Cup
- ^ Appearances in FNL Cup
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Conference League
Honours
Vejle
Individual
References
- ^ a b c d German Onugkha at Soccerway
- ^ a b c d German Onugkha at FootballFacts.ru (in Russian)
- ^ a b c d e Панков, Андрей (14 May 2021). "«Для меня встать на колено – унижение». Интервью с темнокожим россиянином Онугхой". Championat (in Russian). Archived from the original on 27 August 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "«Рубин» арендовал русского Лукаку. Нападающий Онугха станет новым конкурентом Деспота". Sport Business Gazeta (in Russian). 1 September 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "Game Report by PFL". Russian Professional Football League. 1 September 2017.
- ^ "Nizhny Novgorod v Krasnodar game report". Russian Premier League. 25 September 2019.
- ^ "Krasnodar v Zenit game report". Russian Premier League. 5 July 2020.
- ^ ""Тамбов" арендовал у "Краснодара" Германа Онугху!" (in Russian). FC Tambov. 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Онугха и Жалолиддинов покинули "Тамбов"" (in Russian). Sovetsky Sport. 26 January 2021.
- ^ "ГЕРМАН ОНУГХА НА ПРАВАХ АРЕНДЫ ПЕРЕХОДИТ В "ВАЙЛЕ"" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 1 February 2021.
- ^ "ГЕРМАН ОНУГХА СТАЛ ПОЛНОПРАВНЫМ ИГРОКОМ "ВАЙЛЕ"" (in Russian). FC Krasnodar. 4 July 2021.
- ^ ""Крылья" заключили соглашение с нападающим Германом Онугхой" (in Russian). Krylia Sovetov Samara. 14 July 2021.
- ^ "ГЕРМАН ОНУГХА ПЕРЕШЕЛ В "РУБИН"" (in Russian). Rubin Kazan. 1 September 2021.
- ^ "ГЕРМАН ОНУГХА ВОЗВРАЩАЕТСЯ В "ВАЙЛЕ"" (in Russian). Rubin Kazan. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ a b Baunsgaard, Casper Hede (21 May 2023). "Mesterlig Mucolli-træffer da Vejle vandt NordicBet Ligaen". Bold (in Danish). Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "Topscorere, top 20, samlet, 2023/2024". Superstats. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Okstrøm, Oliver (21 July 2024). "Superliga-boss bekræfter: Topscorer er til salg". Tipsbladet (in Danish). Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "Efter vild start: Vejle sikrer sig overlevelse". Tipsbladet (in Danish). 20 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Okstrøm, Oliver (20 May 2024). "Ekspert: FCK bør hente Superliga-bomber". Tipsbladet (in Danish). Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "Ilsø: 'Onugkha har hele pakken'". TV3 SPORT (in Danish). 26 May 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ a b "F.C. Copenhagen sign German Onugkha". F.C. København. 2 September 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Gram-Hanssen, Lars (2 September 2024). "German Onugkha præsenteret i FCK". Tipsbladet (in Danish). Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Schmidt, Martin (26 January 2025). "Onugkha er tæt på Vejle-comeback". Bold (in Danish). Archived from the original on 5 February 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "Vraget nyindkøb føler sig som den bedste angriber i FCK". TV 2 Sport (in Danish). 6 November 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "German Onugkha moves on loan to Vejle Boldklub". F.C. København. 26 January 2025. Archived from the original on 26 January 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Benthien, Kasper (16 February 2025). "Onugkha er tilbage for Vejle: Vil bevise hvem jeg er". Campo (in Danish). Archived from the original on 7 March 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Kjeldsen, Oscar Valdorff (15 February 2025). "- Jeg skal have selvtillid igen". Tipsbladet (in Danish). Archived from the original on 16 February 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ a b Schmidt, Martin (23 March 2025). "Vejle-chef er dybt imponeret over Onugkha". Bold (in Danish). Archived from the original on 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Banke, Jesper (5 April 2025). "Hvorfor er German Onugkha så brandvarm: Hans egen forklaring er helt enkel". Vejle Amts Folkeblad (in Danish). Archived from the original on 11 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Bech, Malthe (16 March 2025). "Vejle lever: Ustoppelige Onugkha nedlagde AGF". Bold (in Danish). Archived from the original on 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ Porse, Kristian (30 March 2025). "Tæt i bunden: Onugkha hamrede Lyngby under stregen". Bold (in Danish). Archived from the original on 17 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "German Onugkha kåret til Månedens Spiller i 3F Superligaen". Vejle Boldklub (in Danish). 7 April 2025. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "Vejle snupper livsvigtig sejr". sport.tv2.dk (in Danish). TV2 Danmark. 18 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ От любителей к профессионалам: пензенского юношу в 20 лет взяли в «Зенит» (in Russian). ProGorod58. 24 August 2016.