Onyeka Vows to Lead Coventry City Back to EPL Glory After 24-Year Absence
Coventry City have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international midfielder Frank Onyeka on loan from Brentford, with the deal including an obligation to buy should the Sky Blues secure promotion to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old arrives at the Coventry Building Society Arena with a wealth of top-flight and international experience, having made 75 Premier League appearances for Brentford and earning 41 caps for Nigeria.
Onyeka played a pivotal role in Brentford’s rise in the Premier League, helping the West London club achieve a ninth-place finish in the 2022/23 season, their highest in the modern era.
He also featured prominently in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third. Prior to his time in England, Onyeka enjoyed a successful spell in Denmark with Midtjylland, winning two Danish Superliga titles and the Danish Cup, while also competing in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Last season, he gained further experience in Germany’s Bundesliga during a loan spell with Augsburg, making 31 appearances.
Speaking on his move to Coventry, Onyeka expressed his determination to help the club return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2000/01 season.
‘I’m very happy to be here. I’m a strong midfielder, I’m a winner and I always want to fight for my teammates. My aim is to give 100 per cent, bring my experience and help the team get promoted to the Premier League and bring glory to the city again,’ he said.
Coventry were founding members of the Premier League in 1992/93 but were relegated in 2001 after finishing 19th, ending a 34-year stay in the top division.
Since then, the club has endured a turbulent journey through the lower leagues, including spells in League One and League Two, before re-establishing themselves in the Championship.
Onyeka’s arrival also continues a link between Nigerian footballers and Coventry City.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nigeria’s all-time Premier League top scorer with 95 goals, briefly featured for the Sky Blues in League One, making three appearances and providing an assist.
