Super Eagles midfielders Frank Onyeka and Tochukwu Nnadi completed switches to Coventry City and Marseille respectively on Monday night as the January transfer window shut in most of Europe.
Onyeka, who was a key member of the Super Eagles squad to the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December and January, joined English Championship leaders Coventry on loan from Premier League side Brentford until the end of the season.
“Coventry City are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Frank Onyeka on loan from Premier League side Brentford.
The deal also includes an obligation to buy should the club achieve promotion to the Premier League,” the second-tier club, coached by former England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, stated.
“The 28-year-old has plied his trade at the G-Tech Community Stadium since the summer of 2021 and made 75 Premier League appearances for the Bees, 87 in all competitions.
“He helped establish the West London club in the top flight and played a key role in their ninth-place finish in the 2022-23 season, their highest in the Premier League era.”
Onyeka, who was on loan at German club Augsburg last season, has not had much playing time at Brentford but Coventry City count on his experience and physical presence in their midfield.
“The powerful midfielder also has 41 caps for Nigeria and started in the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third,” Coventry added.
“Before that, The Nigerian had begun his career in Denmark with Midtjylland, the club Victor Torp also began his professional career at.
“Onyeka’s time with the Danish outfit was very successful as he was part of the team that won two Danish Superliga titles, the 2018-19 Danish Cup and he also played in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
“Last season, he enjoyed a loan spell in the Bundesliga with Augsburg where he played 31 times in Germany’s top division.”
Onyeka says he is looking forward to his new challenge with Coventy.
He said: “I’m very happy to be here.
“I’m a strong midfielder, I’m a winner and I always want to fight for my teammates.
“My aim is to give 100 per cent, bring my experience and help the team get promoted to the Premier League and bring glory to the city again.
“I’m very excited to get going and I’m ready to give my all for Coventry.”
On his part, Nnadi, who was also in the Super Eagles AFCON squad, joins Marseille on a long-term deal from Belgian club Zulte Waregem.
He cost French side Marseille €6m and and signed a four-year contract.
“Olympique de Marseille is proud to announce the arrival of Nigerian international Tochukwu Nnadi from SV Zulte Waregem,” the former European champions announced on their official website.
“At 22 years old, Tochukwu Nnadi is establishing himself as one of Africa’s most promising midfielders.
“Born on June 30, 2003, in Ihiagwa, Imo State, Nigeria, he began his local training at Campos FC before honing his skills at the Madenat Alamal Football Academy in Dubai, a move that opened the doors to European football for him.
“In August 2021, after a successful trial, Tochukwu Nnadi signed his first professional contract with Botev Plovdiv in Bulgaria. He made his league debut on April 3, 2022, against champions Ludogorets, and has gradually established himself as a reliable midfielder, combining creativity with defensive discipline.
“His rise continued at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Starting every match, he played a key role for Nigeria in impressive victories against Italy and Argentina, showcasing his maturity at the highest level of youth football.
“In January 2024, Tochukwu Nnadi took another step forward by joining SV Zulte Waregem in Belgium. His consistent performances in a more demanding Pro League attracted attention, making him one of the team’s most prominent midfielders.
“On the international stage, his progress was rapid. Following his performances at the U-20 level, he was selected for Nigeria’s senior squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he earned his first cap for the Super Eagles, marking his transition to the top tier of African football.
“Tochukwu Nnadi thus embodies a new face of Nigerian football: versatile, technically gifted, and already capable of making an impact in competitive environments.
“His career is only just beginning, but it already shows promise for the future, both at club level and with the Super Eagles.”
