Frank Onyeka

Last updated

Frank Onyeka
Personal information
Full name Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka [1]
Date of birth (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth Benin City, Nigeria
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) [2]
Position(s) Defensive midfielder
Team information
Current team
 FC Augsburg
(on loan from Brentford)
Number 19
Youth career
0000–2013 Faith Motors FC
2013–2016 Ebedei
2016–2017 Midtjylland
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2017–2021 Midtjylland 95 (14)
2021– Brentford 67 (1)
2024– → FC Augsburg (loan) 11 (0)
International career‡
2020– Nigeria 29 (1)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations
Runner-up 2023 Ivory Coast
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:28, 7 December 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18 November 2024 (UTC)

Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka MON (born 1 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club FC Augsburg, on loan from Premier League club Brentford, and the Nigeria national team. [3]

Contents

Early life and career

Onyeka was born on 1 January 1998 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, the second oldest of five siblings. He has stated that his mother was not supportive of him playing football early on: "She wanted us to study, because the opportunity of becoming a football player at that point was slim. She would rather I went to school than play football." [4]

Aged 15, while playing for local club Faith Motors Academy, he was noticed by Churchill Oliseh, owner and manager of FC Ebedei—a club with ties to Midtjylland in the Danish Superliga—and the man credited for discovering Nigerian international Obafemi Martins. [4] Before joining FC Ebedei, Onyeka supported his family by doing roofing work. His move to Ebedei, located in Sagamu, Ogun State, more than 250 kilometers from Benin City, was the first time he was away from home, and required significant adjustments. Despite the distance and his prior responsibilities, Onyeka remained committed to pursuing his dreams, something he later recognised as instrumental in developing a resilient mindset. [4]

Club career

Midtjylland

After moving from Nigerian club FC Ebedei to cooperation club FC Midtjylland in Denmark in January 2016, [5] Onyeka established himself as part of the club, and on 20 September 2017 he made his first-team debut in the Danish Cup in a 7–0 win over Greve Fodbold where he also scored. [6] Onyeka went on to make his Danish Superliga debut for the club a few months later in the club's 2017–18 campaign in a match against AC Horsens on 9 February 2018. There, he also scored, and was a key part in the 2–0 win. [6] [7] Onyeka distinguished himself again in the next fixture, on 18 February, against the leading Superliga team from FC Copenhagen, where he scored his second league goal for the club at the right winger position as Midtjylland beat the capital side 3–1. [8] He was subsequently praised by head coach Jess Thorup for his positional versatility and maturity. [8]

Onyeka made his UEFA Champions League debut in the following season, in Midtjylland's qualifier against Astana FC on 24 July 2018. [9]

Brentford

Onyeka signed for newly promoted Premier League side Brentford on 20 July 2021 for an undisclosed fee. [10] He made his competitive debut for the club on 13 August, the first matchday of the season, starting in a 2–0 victory against Arsenal; the Bees' first ever Premier League win. [11]

During his first seasons at Brentford, he grappled with securing a regular spot in the first team, often sidelined by injuries, and primarily featuring as a substitute. [12] On 7 August 2023, he signed a new four-year contract, keeping him in west London until 2027. [13] He scored his first goal for the club on 13 April 2024, helping Brentford to a 2–0 league win over Sheffield United to claim their first win in 10 consecutive Premier League games. [14]

Loan to FC Augsburg

On 30 August 2024, Onyeka signed for Bundesliga club FC Augsburg on a season-long loan. [15]

International career

Onyeka received his first call-up for the Nigeria national team on 22 September 2020 for the friendly matches against Algeria and Tunisia in Austria on 5 and 9 October 2020, respectively. [16] [17] He made his debut for the national team in a friendly 1–0 loss to Algeria on 9 October 2020. [18] He scored his first goal for his country on 16 October 2023, in a 3–2 win over Mozambique. [19]

Onyeka was a part of the Nigerian team that emerged runners-up at the 2023 African Cup of Nations. [20] During the tournament, he started all seven of Nigeria's games. [21]

Personal life

Onyeka was born and bred in Benin City. He is nicknamed "The Tank". [22]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 7 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cup [a] League cup [b] EuropeTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Midtjylland 2017–18 [23] Danish Superliga 15431——185
2018–19 [24] Danish Superliga21430—5 [c] 0294
2019–20 [25] Danish Superliga32310—2 [d] 1354
2020–21 [26] Danish Superliga27340—10 [e] 1414
Total9514111—17212317
Brentford 2021–22 [27] Premier League 2000040–240
2022–23 [28] Premier League2100020–230
2023–24 [29] Premier League2610020–281
Total6710080–751
Augsburg (loan) 2024–25 [30] Bundesliga 11020––130
Career total173161318017221119
  1. ↑ Includes Danish Cup, FA Cup
  2. ↑ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ↑ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Champions League

International

As of match played 18 November 2024 [31]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Nigeria 202010
202130
202250
202371
2024130
Total291
Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Onyeka goal. [31]
List of international goals scored by Frank Onyeka
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
116 October 2023 Estádio Municipal de Portimão, Portimão, PortugalFlag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique 2–13–2 Friendly

Honours

Midtjylland

Nigeria

Orders

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FC Midtjylland</span> Danish association football club based in Herning

Football Club Midtjylland is a Danish professional football club based in Herning and Ikast in Jutland. The club is the result of a merger between Ikast FS and Herning Fremad. Midtjylland competes in the Danish Superliga, which they have won four times, most recently in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winston Reid</span> New Zealand association football player

Winston Wiremu Reid is a New Zealand former footballer. He is most known for his time as a defender with Premier League club West Ham United and captaining the New Zealand national team. He has also played for Midtjylland with loan periods at Sporting Kansas City and Brentford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oluwafemi Ajilore</span> Nigerian footballer (born 1985)

Ebenezer Oluwafemi Ajilore, also known as Femi, is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

FC Ebedei is a Nigerian football club based in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State after moving from Lagos in 2001. They currently play in Nigeria Nationwide League, the third tier of Nigerian football.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lasse Vibe</span> Danish footballer (born 1987)

Lasse Vibe is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a forward or winger. After beginning his career in his native Denmark, he came to prominence in Sweden with IFK Göteborg and has also played in England and China. Vibe was a Denmark international and captained the 2016 Denmark Olympic team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andreas Bjelland</span> Danish footballer (born 1988)

Andreas Bjelland is a Danish-Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Lyngby Boldklub.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henrik Dalsgaard</span> Danish footballer (born 1989)

Henrik Dalsgaard is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Danish Superliga club AGF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erik Sviatchenko</span> Danish footballer (born 1991)

Erik Sergiyovych Sviatchenko is a Danish footballer who plays as a centre-back for MLS side Houston Dynamo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonas Lössl</span> Danish footballer (born 1989)

Jonas Bybjerg Lössl is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Danish Superliga club Midtjylland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Nørgaard</span> Danish footballer (born 1994)

Christian Thers Nørgaard is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Brentford and the Denmark national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emiliano Marcondes</span> Danish footballer (born 1995)

Emiliano Marcondes Camargo Hansen is a Danish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for EFL Championship club Norwich City. He came to prominence at FC Nordsjælland and transferred to Brentford in 2018, with whom he was a member of the squad which was promoted to the Premier League in 2021. He was capped by Denmark at youth level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Onuachu</span> Nigerian footballer

Ebere Paul Onuachu is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Southampton and the Nigeria national team.

André Ibsen Rømer is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Danish Superliga club Randers FC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joachim Andersen (footballer)</span> Danish footballer (born 1996)

Joachim Christian Andersen is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Premier League club Fulham and the Denmark national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Andersson</span> Swedish footballer (born 1996)

Eric Joel Andersson is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Danish Superliga club Midtjylland. He is the twin brother of Adam Andersson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mads Bech Sørensen</span> Danish footballer (born 1999)

Mads Bech Sørensen, sometimes known as Mads Bech, is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland.

Nikolaj Hammelsvang Kirk is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder or full back. He is a product of the FC Midtjylland academy and played professional football for Brentford, Stabæk and FC Fredericia while on loan from the club. After his release in 2020, Kirk dropped into Danish amateur football. He represented Denmark at youth level.

Japhet Sery Larsen is a Danish professional footballer who plays for Eliteserien club SK Brann as a centre-back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Han-beom</span> South Korean footballer (born 2002)

Lee Han-beom is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Danish Superliga club Midtjylland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raphael Onyedika</span> Nigerian footballer (born 2001)

Raphael Onyedika Nwadike is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Belgian club Club Brugge and the Nigeria national team.

References

  1. ↑ "2021/22 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 10 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  2. ↑ "Frank Onyeka". Brentford F.C. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "O. Frank". Soccerway.
  4. 1 2 3 "Frank Onyeka: I used to play barefoot on concrete; now I can put on any shoes I want". Brentford F.C. 8 February 2024. Archived from the original on 11 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  5. 1 2 Aaes, Jette (3 June 2018). "Guldmedaljen glimter godmorgen". ikast-brandenyt.dk. Ikast-Brande Nyt. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  6. 1 2 Kristiansen, Kenneth (9 February 2018). "Hårdt tilkæmpet FCM-sejr i Horsens" (in Danish). Herning Folkeblad. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  7. ↑ Margren, Sara (10 February 2018). "FCM-debutant vil fighte sig til fast plads". www.bold.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  8. 1 2 Hansen, Charlotte (18 February 2018). "FCM-træner: Fantastisk at slå FCK med akademispillere" (in Danish). TV Midtvest. Retrieved 24 September 2020. Specielt det unge nigerianske talent Frank Onyeka, der scorede senest mod AC Horsens og igen mod FCK, bringer glæden frem hos FCM's cheftræner. - Frank har gjort det rigtig godt i opstarten. Han har prøvet at spille midterforsvarer, højreback og central midtbanespiller, men han er faktisk lidt mere en hængende angriber. Frank har gjort det virkelig godt, og det var kun et spørgsmål om tid, før at han skulle bringes ind. Han er jo en af de næste, der skal gribe de chancer, der kommer, for der er jo plads til nogle nye spillere.
  9. ↑ "Astana vs. Midtjylland - 24 July 2018 - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com.
  10. ↑ "Brentford sign Frank Onyeka from FC Midtjylland". www.brentfordfc.com. 20 July 2021.
  11. ↑ McNulty, Phil (13 August 2021). "Brentford beat Arsenal on opening day". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  12. ↑ Aarons, Ed (11 January 2024). "Brentford's Frank Onyeka wanted by Everton and Fulham on loan". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  13. ↑ "Onyeka signs new four-year deal". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  14. ↑ Drury, Sam (13 April 2024). "Brentford beat Sheff Utd to ease relegation fears". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  15. ↑ "Onyeka joins Augsburg on loan". Brentford F.C. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  16. ↑ "Full list of Super Eagles invitees for friendlies". The Nation. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  17. ↑ Dalgård, Jonas (22 September 2020). "Frank Onyeka kan få landsholdsdebut". bold.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  18. ↑ "Nigeria vs. Algeria – 9 October 2020 – Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com.
  19. ↑ "ONYEKA SCORES FIRST NIGERIA GOAL". Brentfordfc. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  20. ↑ Nwachukwu, John Owen (29 December 2023). "AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro releases 25-man squad [FULL LIST]". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  21. ↑ Edward, Johnny (12 February 2024). "Brentford hail Onyeka". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  22. ↑ "From the streets of Benin to Brentford: Super Eagles star shares his Emotional story". soccernet.ng. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  23. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  24. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  25. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  26. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  27. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  28. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  29. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  30. ↑ "Games played by Frank Onyeka in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  31. 1 2 Frank Onyeka at National-Football-Teams.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
  32. ↑ "Guldfest i Herning: FC Midtjylland er dansk mester". dr.dk. Danmarks Radio. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  33. ↑ Stevens, Rob (11 February 2024). "Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  34. ↑ "Afcon: Ivory Coast and Nigeria players get cash, villas and honours". BBC News . 13 February 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.