Onyeka Explains Coventry City Loan Move

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to join Championship side Coventry City on loan from Brentford during the winter transfer window.

The 28-year-old, who helped Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, was linked with Birmingham City and Sheffield United but opted for Coventry after a decisive conversation with manager Frank Lampard.

‘My agent told me about the interest in early January, but I was focused on AFCON, so we didn’t speak much about it,’ Onyeka told Coventry Live.

‘Two weeks before the deadline, I had a call with Frank Lampard, and that’s when everything started. I could see the club is going in the right direction, and it was something I wanted. Also, for family reasons, I wanted to stay close to them.’

Onyeka added that the prospect of forming a midfield partnership with captain Matt Grimes also influenced his choice. ‘We are different kinds of players. He has qualities, I have my own qualities, and I think we can complement each other,’ he said.

The defensive midfielder is expected to make his debut for Coventry City next Monday when they host Middlesbrough in the league.