Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka says a clear project under manager Frank Lampard, the chance to play regularly and family reasons convinced him to join Coventry City instead of other top flight clubs. The 28 year old moved from Brentford to the EFL Championship side on loan until the end of the season, with an option to stay if Coventry win promotion.
Onyeka revealed that talks over the transfer began early in January but became serious after a direct phone call with Lampard about two weeks before the window closed. He said their discussion showed him that Coventry is “going in the right direction” and hungry to move up, which matched his ambitions.
The midfielder added that staying in England was important for his young family and made Coventry more attractive than overseas options. Reports linked him with interest from Premier League side Sheffield United and Spanish club Valencia, but he felt Coventry offered the best balance of stability, game time and proximity to home.
Onyeka admitted he needed a fresh start after playing only 88 minutes for Brentford in the first half of the season despite a strong Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Nigeria. He believes regular football with a promotion chasing team will help him maintain his place in the Super Eagles squad.
Describing his style, Onyeka said he brings strength, ball winning, forward runs and intensity in training and matches. He praised fellow Coventry midfielders Matt Grimes, Victor Torp, Josh Eccles and Jamie Allen, saying they all offer different qualities that can make the team more competitive in the Championship title race.
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