Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has voiced his disappointment over Frank Onyeka’s move to Coventry City on loan from Brentford. Despite Onyeka’s considerable potential, Ikpeba believes the move is a backward step in the 25-year-old’s career, given his talent and previous international success.
Ikpeba Critiques Onyeka’s Move to the Championship
Onyeka, who has had limited playing time at Brentford this season, joined Championship leaders Coventry City on a loan deal that runs until the end of the 2025/26 season. The deal includes an option for Coventry to make the move permanent if they gain promotion to the Premier League. However, Ikpeba is not convinced that this move is the right one for Onyeka’s development.
Ikpeba, speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, remarked, “These things happen in football when you don’t get enough playing time. He’s a top player who puts in everything he has, even during the few times we’ve seen him play for Brentford. It’s not nice for him to drop down to the Championship.”
Onyeka’s Potential and Future Expectations
Despite limited club action, Onyeka impressed at the international level, playing a key role in Nigeria’s bronze medal win at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ikpeba pointed to Onyeka’s AFCON performances as evidence of his quality and potential, adding, “He belongs at a higher level, and moving to the Championship seems like a step back.”
Ikpeba also mentioned that Onyeka could have pursued opportunities at a top English Premier League club or a strong team in France, Italy, or Spain. “If he joined a top English club, such as a Premier League team, that would be amazing,” Ikpeba suggested. “Alternatively, he could consider a good team in France, Italy, Spain, or a top league in another country. It’s really sad.”
Ikpeba’s Personal Career Reflection
Reflecting on his own career, Ikpeba shared his own experiences. “I never played in the lower leagues during my 15 or 16-year career. I never thought I would get a chance to play in the second division,” he noted. He continued, “I had the chance to play in the second division towards the end of my career, but for Onyeka to be in this situation now is disappointing, given his talent.”
Onyeka’s Next Steps and Career Path
Ikpeba’s comments underscore the challenges that Onyeka faces as he seeks to make his mark in European football. While the loan move may offer Onyeka more playing time, it raises questions about his long-term career ambitions and the next steps in his development.
Onyeka, who previously played for FC Midtjylland and FC Augsburg, is still regarded as a promising talent. However, the decision to move to a Championship club, despite being on the radar of Premier League clubs, may raise doubts about his aspirations in the world of top-tier football.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.
