Onazi: Onyeka’s Coventry City Move Is a Step Forward, Not Down

Former Nigerian international Ogenyi Onazi has defended Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka over his loan move from Brentford to Coventry City, insisting the switch should be seen as a strategic step forward rather than a step down.

Onyeka has struggled for game time at Brentford over the past two seasons, even spending last summer on loan at Augsburg in the Bundesliga. This season, he has yet to start a Premier League game for the Bees, though he has featured regularly in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking to Brila FM, Onazi, who won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria in 2013, urged critics to understand the realities of a footballer’s career.

‘You know we are footballers but people don’t know how tight it is and what’s happening. They just see that he has moved from Premier League to Championship,’ Onazi said.

‘People will talk about you left Premier League to Championship… all those things aren’t important. It’s those who are in the game that know what is happening. That’s why you should do what you need to do and block out the outside noise.’

Onazi praised the move as a chance for Onyeka to rebuild confidence and showcase his value under manager Frank Lampard, who understands the midfielder’s role having played in the same position himself.

‘For his manager, Frank Lampard, he played the same position, and understands him and knows his value. So for me it’s a fantastic move for him and the team. At Brentford, imagine him just sitting on the bench, his value and confidence drops,’ the former Lazio star explained.

Coventry City are currently top of the Championship and pushing for promotion to the Premier League.

The club has agreed to sign Onyeka permanently if they secure promotion at the end of the season, making the loan potentially transformative for his career.