Ten Nigerians Set For Premier League Action As Coventry Duo Suffer Arsenal Defeat

Ten Nigerian players are set to feature in the 2026/2027 Premier League season, with Coventry City duo Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi among the first to get their campaigns underway.

The return of Awoniyi and Onyeka to the top flight started badly as Coventry suffered a 3-0 defeat to defending champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, August 21.

Onyeka played a major part in Coventry’s return to the Premier League after 25 years, while Awoniyi joined the club just four days before the Arsenal clash. The Nigerian pair faced a tough opening test against the champions, with little time to settle before the new season began.

Semi Ajayi also returns to the Premier League after helping Hull City secure promotion. The 32-year-old started their play-off final victory over Middlesbrough and helped the Tigers keep a clean sheet at Wembley.

Ajayi, who made 33 Premier League appearances for West Bromwich Albion during the 2020/21 campaign, is expected to use his experience to help Hull City when the newly promoted side begin their campaign against Manchester United at 12:30 p.m. later today.

David Akintola will also get his first taste of Premier League football at the age of 30 after helping Hull win promotion. The winger has previously played in Denmark, Norway, Cyprus and Turkey and now gets his chance in the English top flight, although he faces stiff competition for a place.

Brighton teenager Zadok Yohanna is another Nigerian set for his first Premier League season. The Seagulls signed him from Swedish club AIK on a five-year contract after he recorded five goals and four assists in 18 league and cup appearances.

Yohanna has been handed the number 36 shirt and a place in the first-team squad, but Brighton want him to take his time adapting to the demands of the competition.

Brentford have also included Super Eagles centre-back Benjamin Fredrick in their Premier League squad after promoting him to the first team. The defender signed a new four-year contract in July, with an option for a further year, and will wear the number 48 shirt. He could make his Premier League debut against Tottenham at 5:30 p.m later today, August 22.

Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina begin the new campaign as established Premier League figures. Iwobi has made 320 appearances in the competition and registered four goals and three assists in 27 league matches last season. He also won his 100th Nigeria cap in June. Iwobi and Bassey will be in action when Fulham host Chelsea at 8 p.m. on Monday, August 24.

Bassey has grown into a key player at Craven Cottage, while Aina remains one of Nottingham Forest’s most dependable defenders. The versatile full-back recently signed a new deal until 2028 and continues to operate on either side of Forest’s defence.

Chuba Akpom also returns to the Premier League with Ipswich Town after making his loan move from Ajax permanent. The forward signed a contract until 2029 after scoring 31 goals to finish as the Championship’s top scorer during Ipswich’s promotion campaign last season.