Coventry City manager Frank Lampard could not hide his admiration for Frank Onyeka after the Super Eagles star's fine goal in their exciting 3-2 win over Derby County on Friday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian midfielder, on loan from Brentford, opened the scoring early on with a powerful strike that set the tone for a tense and entertaining game. Derby fought back through Ben Brereton Díaz, who scored twice, but Jack Rudoni’s brace ensured Coventry claimed all three points.
The win keeps Coventry firmly on top of the Championship table and moves them closer to a return to the Premier League. With only a handful of games left, Lampard’s side now look strong favourites to go up.
Onyeka has played a key role in that push. Since joining in January, Coventry have won eight of the nine matches he has featured in. His energy, strength and discipline in midfield have added balance to the team at a crucial time of the season.
After the game, Lampard was full of praise for the 28-year-old, highlighting both his football ability and his character.
“The work that he does for the goal is exactly what he has been doing for us and it's what we brought him in to do, sort of breaking up play. But there’s more to his game,” the former Chelsea midfielder told Sky Sports after the game..
“The physical part of his game is one thing, and breaking it up. But he has got that also (shooting). All round, he’s a quality player and an amazing lad coming from the Premier League with this incredible humility where he just comes in and works. He’s such a lovely bloke and I’m delighted for him. This place adores him already.”
Frank Onyeka: A step closer to a permanent deal?
Beyond the praise, Onyeka’s growing importance could have long-term consequences for his future at the club.
His loan move from Brentford includes a clause that could turn the deal into a permanent transfer if Coventry secure promotion to the Premier League. With the club sitting comfortably at the top of the table and holding a strong lead, that possibility is becoming more realistic with each passing week.
Lampard also revealed the personal sacrifices Onyeka has made since arriving, underlining why he has quickly become a respected figure in the dressing room.
“When someone comes in from the Premier League and he’s just so diligent. He had a baby when he first came in, he’s staying in hotels, not seen his family. I’m like ‘I haven’t seen you,' and he’s like ‘No, no, I need to be here.'
“All those little things, and the way he trains and prepares, that’s massive signals for the rest of the players. But the first thing is can you do it on the pitch and he has clearly done that for us.”
If Coventry complete their promotion mission, Onyeka may not be heading back to Brentford at all. Instead, he could become a permanent part of Lampard’s plans in the Premier League.
Still, Frank Onyeka and Coventry City will keep their immediate focus on the next match against Hull City. But with form, momentum and belief on their side, Coventry and Onyeka are edging ever closer to a big reward.
