Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has tipped Frank Onyeka to show his quality and gain regular playing minutes after completing a loan move to Coventry City during the transfer window, SportPremi reports.
The Nigerian midfielder left English Premier League side Brentford to join the promotion-chasing Sky Blues in the EFL Championship in search of regular playing minutes.
The 28-year-old never really convinced the Bees about his quality and had very limited time to perform, featuring in just seven matches this season.
Meanwhile, he spent the whole of last season on loan away at German club Augsburg, where he enjoyed an impressive spell.
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His main task is now helping Coventry gain promotion to the top-flight at the end of the season, which could possibly earn him a permanent move in the summer.
Frank Lampard’s side will greatly benefit from his experience and midfield presence, as they continue their hunt for an automatic promotion spot.
Sam Sodje reacts to Onyeka’s move to Coventry
Ex-Nigerian international Sodje during an interview, believes Onyeka’s transfer to Coventry is very important for his development due to his desire to play regularly.
“I believe this is a good move for him. It also shows the type of player he is — someone who wants to play regularly and contribute on the pitch rather than sit on the bench”, Sam Sodje stated.
“Because things didn’t work out for him at Brentford doesn’t mean he is a bad player. When you play for a club like Brentford, you have to understand that they constantly bring in players, and competition for places is always high.
They also have quality players in the squad, and sometimes selection decisions come down to the manager’s opinion rather than a player’s ability.”
The former Super Eagles defender went on to make a bold assertion, stating that Coventry are a bigger club than Brentford, despite competing in the Championship.
“My position is based on facts. I am a Brentford boy and a Hall of Fame member at Brentford. Many people discussing this move do not fully understand football. When you compare both clubs in terms of size and history, Coventry is actually a bigger club”, he stated confidently.
“Yes, Brentford is currently a Premier League club and a very good one, but in terms of overall size and historical stature, Coventry is bigger. However, many people in Nigeria may not fully understand this context. I know the English league system very well. The Championship is extremely competitive and is equivalent to many countries’ top divisions. Hopefully, Coventry can return to the Premier League.
“Secondly, nobody truly knows what was offered to him or the long-term project that was presented. Before Chelsea became one of the biggest clubs in the world, they also attracted players by selling them a strong project and vision”, the former Nigerian defender concluded.
Onyeka will be hoping to make his debut for the Sky Blues in their next league outing when they play host to Oxford United next Saturday.
