Victor Ikpeba Slams Frank Onyeka’s Championship Move

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By Sedara Philip

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has expressed strong reservations about Frank Onyeka’s move to Championship leaders Coventry City, describing the transfer as a step backwards for a player of his quality.

Onyeka recently joined Coventry City on loan from Premier League side Brentford, a decision that has sparked debate within football circles.

While acknowledging the challenges Onyeka has faced due to limited playing time, Ikpeba insists the Nigerian midfielder should not be plying his trade in England’s second tier.

Speaking on the development, Ikpeba admitted that a lack of regular action can sometimes force players into difficult decisions but maintained that Onyeka deserves to be competing at the highest level.

“These things happen in football when you don’t have enough playing time,” Ikpeba said. “He is a top player who gives everything, even in the few times we have seen him play for Brentford.”

The former Monaco striker, however, was firm in his criticism of the destination, stressing that the Championship represents a downgrade for a player of Onyeka’s pedigree.

“It’s not nice for him to go down a step lower to the Championship,” Ikpeba added. “If he had moved to another Premier League club in England, it would have been great, or gone to France, Serie A, La Liga, or any other top-flight league.

This move is very unfortunate.”

Ikpeba also reflected on his own career, noting that he never considered playing in a lower division during his long spell at the top.

“I never played in the lower league throughout my 15- or 16-year career. I never dreamt of playing in the second division, even when I had the opportunity towards the end of my career,” he said.

Highlighting Onyeka’s performances for Nigeria, particularly at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ikpeba questioned the logic behind the move despite Coventry’s strong position in the Championship.

“For a top player, we have seen what he can do with the ball at the Nations Cup,” Ikpeba concluded.

“He should be at a better club, either staying in the Premier League or moving elsewhere. Going to Coventry just because they are topping the league makes no sense.”

Onyeka will now look to use his time at Coventry City to regain match fitness and form, as he aims to revive his club career and remain a key figure for the Super Eagles.