Adaramola Yemiblak
February 4, 2026Former Brentford player backs Frank Onyeka’s move to Coventry City
Photo: Coventry City (@Coventry_City/X)
Former Brentford player backs Frank Onyeka’s move to Coventry City
Brentford Hall of Fame member Sam Sodje has described Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka’s loan move to Championship side Coventry City as a “perfect decision.”
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The Nigerian international left Brentford to join Coventry during the January transfer window.
Speaking with Footy Africa, Sodje argued that Coventry is a “bigger” club than Brentford, noting that the Championship is extremely competitive and the Sky Blues possess a rich footballing history.
“My position is based on facts. I am a Brentford boy and a Hall of Fame member at Brentford. Many people discussing this move do not fully understand football. When you compare both clubs in terms of size and history, Coventry is actually a bigger club.
Yes, Brentford is currently a Premier League club and a very good one, but in terms of overall size and historical stature, Coventry is bigger. However, many people in Nigeria may not fully understand this context. I know the English league system very well. The Championship is extremely competitive and is equivalent to many countries’ top divisions. Hopefully, Coventry can return to the Premier League.”
Sodje also suggested that there is often more to such deals than what is made public, noting that the move highlights Onyeka’s commitment to regular playing time.
“Nobody truly knows what was offered to him or the long-term project that was presented. Before Chelsea became one of the biggest clubs in the world, they also attracted players by selling them a strong project and vision.
I believe this is a good move for him. It also shows the type of player he is — someone who wants to play regularly and contribute on the pitch rather than sit on the bench.”
Onyeka, who was Brentford’s first signing of the Premier League era, made nine appearances for the Bees this season. The 28-year-old was also a key part of the Nigeria squad that reached the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.