FRANK ONYEKA: Our plan was to give Nigerians AFCON gold
With 75 Premier League appearances across five seasons for the West London club, Brentford including 31 in the Bundesliga during a season-long loan with FC Augsburg last year, Nigeria international
With 75 Premier League appearances across five seasons for the West London club, Brentford including 31 in the Bundesliga during a season-long loan with FC Augsburg last year, Nigeria international Frank Onyeka's loan move to Coventry City, has been described as a 'brilliant deal' by the Frank Lampard led side.
But before that, Onyeka, who is fresh from a blistering performance at the just ended 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), shared his thoughts on the African football fiesta in Morocco.
He noted that the Super Eagles went to the Northern African country with the hope of coming back with the gold medal.
“In the last tournament, we went all the way into the final before Cote d'Ivoire stopped us in front of their massive fans.
“We were hosted by the Nigeria government, though, it came as a surprise, but we were happy and looking forward to winning the gold medal this time around. We had dinner with the President and that left an indelible mark on us.”
While preparing for the 2025 edition of AFCON, Onyeka hoped that he would meet the president again - but this time with a gold medal hanging around his neck.
Advertisement
300x250
“I'm very proud to wear the shirt,” Onyeka said. “It's a huge thing, representing over 200 million people, and there's a lot of pressure.
“It's always special. My brothers send me pictures when I play for Nigeria. It's a different feeling, when you know that people who you love are watching you.
“We had hoped this will be our year, having lost it last time in the final. Not so many people thought we could get to the final, but we did. That squad is one of the best the Super Eagles have ever had. William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon – we have good leaders in this group. We wanted to give Nigerians the trophy.”
Read Also: Guterres to Shettima: Nigeria must lead Africa’s push for new global order
Coventry City
A loan move has guaranteed that the defensive midfielder, who has always been affectionately known as Frank 'The Tank' by Brentford fans, will be starting afresh in Coventry City after the AFCON.
Joining Lampard, another strong midfielder in his team, is thrilling for him.
He's proved something of an enigma since he was signed him from Danish club Midtjylland.
Advertisement
300x250
He has played a fair few games for the club, coming on to shore things up late on in games - which is perhaps why Lampard fancies him.
Premiership analyst Brendan Ford believes that with a decent run of games Onyeka could be a really good player in front of defence.
“He's the type of player who needs a decent run of games just in front of defence. He's had that with Nigeria and has been a first choice for them.
“His main strengths are his physicality, not bad for a big bloke, and his mobility, very good for a big bloke. He tidies up and does the sensible things quietly.
“You won't get many 40-yard drilled passes or even attempts on target from him, but he'll bring others in nicely.
Advertisement
300x250
“His only really weakness is his judgement in the challenge. A few of his injuries have come from tackles he didn't need to make, but overall he's now at the stage where with that bit more experience, he will flourish in the Championship.
“He's a sound acquisition for a club pushing for promotion as he will steady the ship - he'll also prove a really good squad player if – when – you go up.
“It's a great move for him as realistically Brentford are fairly well covered in that area and his opportunity for minutes isn't great. He'll thrive from being a starter, especially at a club like Coventry where his personality should fit in well.
The powerful midfielder also has 45 caps for Nigeria and started in the recent 2025 AFCON, where the Super Eagles finished third.
Onyeka's time with the Danish outfit was very successful as he was part of the team that won two Danish Superliga titles, the 2018-19 Danish Cup and he also played in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
