Victor Ikpeba criticizes Frank Onyeka’s loan to Coventry City, calling it a backward step despite his impressive AFCON performances

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has expressed disappointment over Frank Onyeka’s loan move from Brentford to Coventry City, calling it a “backward step” for a player of his caliber.

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Onyeka completed the deadline-day transfer to Coventry on a loan deal lasting until the end of the season, with an option for the Championship leaders to make it permanent if they secure promotion to the Premier League.

Coventry currently sits atop the table, level on points with Middlesbrough.

The Nigerian midfielder has struggled for regular playing time at Brentford this season, starting only three Carabao Cup matches and making six substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Despite limited club action, Onyeka shone for the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria claim bronze.

Speaking on SuperSport’s *Monday Night Football*, Ikpeba said:
“These things happen in football when you don’t get enough playing time. He’s a top player who gives everything he has. It’s not nice for him to drop down to the Championship. If he joined a top Premier League club, or a strong team in France, Italy, or Spain, it would have been amazing.”

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Ikpeba, who played for Borussia Dortmund and Monaco, added that Onyeka has already proven he belongs at a higher level, citing his AFCON performances.

Onyeka previously played for FC Midtjylland and FC Augsburg.