Frank Onyeka Explains Coventry City Move After Turning Down Sheffield United, Valencia

Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder, Frank Onyeka, has shed fresh light on why he opted to sign for Coventry City in January, despite interest from Sheffield United and Spanish side Valencia.

Frank Onyeka, 28, revealed that a direct conversation with Coventry manager Frank Lampard proved decisive in his choice to head to the Championship club.

Speaking to Coventry Telegraph, Onyeka said, “[My journey began] when I had a call from Frank Lampard.

“[Our conversation made me realise] that the club is going in the right direction, and I wanted to be part of that progress.”

The Nigerian international, who has built a reputation for his tireless engine and defensive discipline in midfield, admitted that footballing ambition was not the only factor in play.

“Family reasons [played a key role in my choice] as I wanted to remain close to them. That is the reason I joined Coventry City,” he said.

Onyeka’s arrival is seen as a statement of intent from Coventry, who are pushing to strengthen their squad under Lampard’s guidance. With crucial fixtures on the way, the midfielder will be hoping to stamp his authority quickly, starting with Monday’s clash against Middlesbrough.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has publicly questioned the officiating in his side’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The match turned tense in the second half when City’s Phil Foden produced a strong challenge on Fulham defender Calvin Bassey. While the England international was shown a yellow card by referee Paul Tierney, some felt the incident warranted harsher punishment.

Iwobi, speaking on his podcast Alexander Yaa Digg, did not hide his frustration. He said, “Calvin’s challenge, big respect to Phil Foden, but ref [referee], surely, what is going on there? I have heard and seen online that people are saying it should have been a red.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Phil Foden, I like him, big baller, but that challenge was a bit mad. It’s what it is. The game is don,e and we can’t dwell on it.”