Frank Onyeka gives reason for choosing Coventry City loan move

Coventry City midfielder Frank Onyeka revealed more on his decision to join the Sky Bet Championship side on loan from Premier League club Brentford.

​Onyeka linked up with the Sky Blues on loan from Premier League side Brentford on dealine day of the January transfer window. Despite not getting off the bench to make his debut in a 0-0 draw against Oxford United last Saturday, he indicated that the club’s upward trajectory played a major factor in his choice.

Birmingham City and Sheffield United were also reportedly interested in the Nigeria international, but he ultimately opted for a move to Coventry.

The 28-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Bundesliga club Augsburg, found it difficult to break back into the Brentford starting lineup during the 2025-26 season despite stellar performances for Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Lampard and Grimes’ influence on joining Coventry

Speaking with Coventry Live, the midfielder stated that he was aware of the club’s interest during AFCON but only considered signing after speaking with manager Frank Lampard.

“My agent told me about it [the interest] in early January, but I was just focusing on AFCON, so we didn’t speak much about it.

And then, I think two weeks before the deadline, I had a call with Frank Lampard, and that’s when everything started.

I spoke to him and could see that the club is going in the right direction, the club is going up, and it was something I wanted. Also, for family reasons, I want to stay close to them, and a lot of challenges like this.

So that was the reason I chose Coventry over other clubs.”

He further noted that a prospective partnership with captain Matt Grimes influenced his decision.

“We are different kinds of players,” he explained. “We bring different things to the team. He has qualities, I have my own qualities, and I think we can complement each other.”

Since arriving, the new addition has wasted no time proving his worth, seamlessly integrating into the midfield with his trademark high-intensity pressing and physical presence.