Former Super Eagles international Victor Ikpeba has revealed his stance on Frank Onyeka’s loan move from Brentford to Coventry City, labeling it a poor decision by the midfielder, SportPremi reports.
Onyeka completed a loan move until the end of the season to Coventry City, who possess the obligation to sign on a permanent deal if they gain promotion to the top-flight at the end of the campaign.
The 28-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign with Nigeria at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament and was not short of suitors during the transfer window after struggling for playing time at Brentford.
The likes of Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Spanish side Valencia all explored the possibility of signing him last month, although Coventry were the quickest to agree a deal with the Premier League club.
Onyeka was unveiled on Tuesday as a new member of the Sky Blues squad as they continue their quest to gain promotion to the Premier League.
They currently top the Championship standings, but only on goal difference ahead of Middlesbrough with 16 matches remaining in the regular season.
Ikpeba criticizes Onyeka’s move to Coventry
Victor Ikpeba who was famous with French club Monaco during his playing days has expressed disappointment over the transfer of Onyeka to Coventry.
The 1996 Olympic Gold medallist believes the Super Eagles midfielder should have pushed for a move to a club in the top-flight, rather than joining Coventry who are in the English second division.
“These things happen in football when you don’t have enough playing time. He is a top player, gives everything, even the few times we’ve seen him playing for Brentford”, Ikpeba admitted.
“It’s not nice for him to go down a step lower, the Championship. If he has gone to a Premier League club in England, it would have been great or go somewhere in France, Serie A, La Liga or a first division side. It’s very unfortunate.
“For a top player, we saw what he can do with the ball at the Nations Cup. He should go to a better club, stay in the Premier League or move elsewhere. But going to Coventry because they are topping the league makes no sense”, he continued.
The former Monaco and Borussia Dortmund forward also cited his own case as he never played in the lower division during his career.
“I never played in the lower league throughout my 15-year, 16-year career.
“I never dreamt of the opportunity of playing in the second division, I had the opportunity to play in the second division towards the end of my career”, Ikpeba concluded.
Meanwhile, Onyeka expressed delight over the move and is focused on helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League.
I’m very happy to be here, I’m a strong midfielder, I’m a winner and I always want to fight for my teammates”, Onyeka admitted.
“My aim is to give 100 per cent, bring my experience and help the team get promoted to the Premier League and bring glory to the city again.”
Onyeka could make his debut for Coventry against Oxford United in their next match on Saturday.
