Uruguayan defender to force Onyemaechi into center-back role ahead of New-Year clash against Arouca

Soccer

Boavista defender Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to shift from his usual left-wing position to center-back for the team’s upcoming match against Arouca in the 17th round of the Portuguese League, Soccernet.ng reports.

This tactical change comes as a result of the suspension of Uruguayan defender Rodrigo Abascal, who received his fifth yellow card during the derby against FC Porto.

Abascal’s absence leaves Boavista without a solid alternative at center-back, and Coach Bacci is likely to turn to Onyemaechi to fill the void.

Onyemaechi, who has made 34 professional career appearances as a center-back, has primarily played as a left-back for both Boavista and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Soccer Bruno Onyemaechi
Bruno Onyemaechi of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Libya at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 11, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. [Photo credit/ Imago]

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

The move to center-back means that Coach Bacci will have to find a replacement for Onyemaechi in his usual role, particularly since Joel Silva is recovering from a muscle injury and is uncertain for the match against Arouca.

Onyemaechi’s versatility in defence makes him an ideal candidate for the centre-back role, and Boavista will be hoping that his experience in this position can help stabilise the makeshift backline as they look to close out the first half of the season on a strong note.

Soccer Bruno Onyemaechi
Bruno Onyemaechi seen celebrating after scoring goal during Liga Portugal game between teams of CF Estrela Amadora and Boavista FC [Photo credit/ Imago]

The match against Arouca is scheduled for next Saturday at the Estadio do Bessa Seculo XXI and is crucial for Boavista as they aim to secure a vital win since November.

Soccer Ayomide Oguntimehin


Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

Read MoreAyomide Oguntimehin

Latest

Oregon Sues Oklahoma Transfer Over Alleged Unpaid $10K NIL Contract Buyout

The University of Oregon says one of its former football players owes it $10,000, and the school is willing to go to court to get it. The school filed a lawsuit in Lane County Circuit Court last week against Dakoda Fields, a defensive back who spent two years with the Ducks before transferring to Oklahoma

Breaking Down Ole Miss’ Strengths, Weaknesses and One Thing It Needs to Beat LSU

The hottest location in college football this year brings LSU and Ole Miss together for a matchup that should be as close are expected. Both teams are rebuilt through the transfer portal and new coaching staffs, and this Sept. 19 matchup will be the first big test for either squad. So what gives Ole Miss

What are Indiana Football’s Biggest Trap Games of 2026?

Where will Indiana be ranked to start the 2026 college football season? While debate will rage regardless of the number next to Indiana's name to start the year, the Hoosiers will likely be favored in no fewer than 11 of their 12 regular season contests. That doesn't mean there won't be challenges along the way

Green steel startup Boston Metal is doubling down on critical metals

The startup Boston Metal has raised a $75 million funding round to produce critical metals, MIT Technology Review can exclusively report.   The company has been known largely for its efforts to clean up steel production, an industry that's responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse emissions today. With the additional money, the new focus could

Newsletter

Don't miss

Oregon Sues Oklahoma Transfer Over Alleged Unpaid $10K NIL Contract Buyout

The University of Oregon says one of its former football players owes it $10,000, and the school is willing to go to court to get it. The school filed a lawsuit in Lane County Circuit Court last week against Dakoda Fields, a defensive back who spent two years with the Ducks before transferring to Oklahoma

Breaking Down Ole Miss’ Strengths, Weaknesses and One Thing It Needs to Beat LSU

The hottest location in college football this year brings LSU and Ole Miss together for a matchup that should be as close are expected. Both teams are rebuilt through the transfer portal and new coaching staffs, and this Sept. 19 matchup will be the first big test for either squad. So what gives Ole Miss

What are Indiana Football’s Biggest Trap Games of 2026?

Where will Indiana be ranked to start the 2026 college football season? While debate will rage regardless of the number next to Indiana's name to start the year, the Hoosiers will likely be favored in no fewer than 11 of their 12 regular season contests. That doesn't mean there won't be challenges along the way

Green steel startup Boston Metal is doubling down on critical metals

The startup Boston Metal has raised a $75 million funding round to produce critical metals, MIT Technology Review can exclusively report.   The company has been known largely for its efforts to clean up steel production, an industry that's responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse emissions today. With the additional money, the new focus could

Embracer Follows Ubisoft In Splitting Off New Publisher To Handle Huge IP, Tomb Raider & LOTR Included

Say hello to Fellowship Entertainment by Ben Kerry 11 hours ago Embracer Group has today announced plans to create a secondary publishing label called Fellowship Entertainment, in order to "capture the full potential of the high-quality assets" that the group currently owns. The Swedish game publisher says that it hopes to spin off Fellowship Entertainment

Tesla’s Business Has Become Much More Diversified in Just the Past Five Years. Does That Make Its Stock a Better Buy Today?

Key Points Tesla's energy generation and storage segment generated 27% revenue growth last year. The company's non-automotive segments were able to help offset a double-digit decline in auto revenue in 2025. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is known for its electric vehicles (EVs), and while they

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand