With the Belgian Jupiler Pro League regular season ended on Sunday, the battle for who becomes League champion begins in earnest; a playoff format, amongst the top 4 teams from the regular season standings.

The top team from the regular season advances to the championship playoff, where the best team wins the Belgian title.

Teams are ranked by points, including points from rounds, victories, etc. same as in the regular season. Each team plays an opponent twice in the olayoffs.

This is a highlight of Nigerian headline makers in their respective club sides that have qualified for various playoffs in the league.

Gift Orban (KAA Gent):

The Buffaloes had their hopes placed on the final game of the season to qualify for the Championship playoffs, but they were unable to secure a victory against Oostende.

Orban, their star forward, failed to find the back of the net, resulting in a 1-0 home loss.

This devastating defeat meant Gent could not make the championship playoffs, as Club Brugge stole the opportunity from them.

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge):

At his club this year, Raphael Onyedika has worked with three different managers.

The team almost lost their chance to make the playoffs, but rivals Gent conspired to lose, holding the door open for Club Brugge to squeeze through into a Championship playoff spot

Club Brugge completed the task alone by crushing Eupen 7-0. Onyedika played for 51 minutes, however, did not contribute to any of his team’s goals. In the regular season, Onyedika made 28 appearances but did not contribute to any goals. He did, however, earn eight cautions. He would be doing everything possible for his team to defend their title.

Yira Sor and Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk):

Both attackers, though, have yet to find their groove at the club. The Limburgers were on a roll earlier in the season when they had Onuachu, but have since lost their lustre.

They finished tops in the regular league season thanks to a higher goal difference.

However, the duo will be looking to improve on their form when the championship playoffs begin, to give themselves a chance of winning the trophy.

Victor Boniface (Royale Union St Gilloise):

The Nigerian striker has scored seven goals and provided seven assists for his club this season, contributing to their second place finish, level on points with Genk.

Alhassan Yusuf (Antwerp):

Alhassan Yusuf started the season strongly, appearing in 17 Jupiler League games for Marc van Bommel’s side and as a starter.

Unfortunately, his progress was derailed by a long term injury before the World Cup break.

In March the young midfield warhorse made his return to action, however, van Bommel has opted for load management, to help avoid a relapse.

He has been handed bit part roles in games as he’s being eased back to first team action.

At the weekend, when Antwerp overcame St. Truiden, the midfielder played only 15 minutes.

Alhassan Yusuf would strive to regain his form and crack the starting lineup to aid his club in the playoffs.

Antwerp finished third in the regular season, just three points behind Victor Boniface’s Royale Union SG.

Meanwhile, the championship playoffs will begin next week with all teams involved having at least one Nigerian player in their squad.

Significantly, it means that a Nigerian player would be crowned Belgian League champion at the end of the playoff.

Orban will have to make do with the Europa Conference League playoffs.

In comparison to Cercle Brugge, Standard Liege, and Westerlo, Gent appears to be the best of the lot.