German Onugkha Transforms From Israeli League Disappointment to Top Scorer Abroad

German Onugkha, a striker born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, experienced a challenging stint in Israel's Premier League before flourishing in European leagues. In the summer of 2022, Onugkha joined Bnei Sakhnin on loan from Vejle Boldklub in Denmark, expected to bolster their attack. However, he failed to score in league matches and was involved in a disciplinary incident during training, fighting with defender Maron Gantos. This led to his suspension and early termination of his loan, returning to Vejle after only a few months.

Despite the disappointing spell in Israel, Onugkha's career took a positive turn upon returning to Denmark. He helped Vejle secure promotion to the Danish Superliga by scoring six goals in 16 appearances. The 2023/24 season marked his breakthrough, as he netted 15 goals to become the league's top scorer, playing a crucial role in keeping Vejle from relegation. His standout performance included a decisive brace in a 2-0 victory over B.93, securing the club's survival.

In September 2024, FC Copenhagen signed Onugkha for 1.5 million euros on a two-year contract, intending for him to replace Icelandic international striker Uri Óskarsson. However, he struggled to integrate and earn playing time at the title-contending club. By January 2025, he returned to Vejle on loan, where he rediscovered his scoring form with 13 goals in half a season, finishing sixth in the league's scoring charts.

In the summer of 2025, Onugkha transferred to Turkish side Kayserispor for one million euros. During the 2025/26 season, he made 27 league appearances, scoring eight goals, the highest tally on his team, including a brace against Fenerbahçe, and contributed assists as well. His journey illustrates a late-blooming striker who overcame early setbacks and disciplinary issues in Israel to establish himself as a proven scorer in Denmark and Turkey.

While his time in Israel is remembered for frustration and conflict, Onugkha's European career highlights his resilience and development, proving that failure in one league does not define a player's overall potential.