Manager Frank Lampard says he has seen far more than just hard work from Frank Onyeka after the midfielder marked his growing influence with a crucial goal in Coventry City’s 3-2 win over Derby County, Footynaija reports.
The Nigerian opened the scoring early with a powerful strike, setting the tempo for a lively contest. Derby responded through Ben Brereton Díaz, who scored twice, but a brace from Jack Rudoni secured victory for Lampard’s side and strengthened their push for promotion.
While the result kept Coventry top of the Championship, Lampard’s post-match comments focused heavily on Onyeka’s all-round qualities, both on and off the pitch.
“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,” Lampard told Sky Sports.
Jack Rudoni and Frank Onyeka debrief following tonight’s win against Derby County. 📻 pic.twitter.com/B6JYqv4bwQ
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) April 3, 2026
The legendary Chelsea midfielder was keen to stress that Onyeka offers much more than defensive strength.
“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.”
Since arriving on loan from Brentford in January, Onyeka has helped transform Coventry’s midfield. His energy and discipline have coincided with a remarkable run of results, underlining his importance during the decisive stage of the season.
🚨🚨| WHAT A GOAL THIS WAS FROM FRANK ONYEKA FOR FRANK LAMPARD’S COVENTRY CITY. 🇳🇬🔥
— Goals Side (@goalsside) April 4, 2026
Lampard also revealed the personal commitment behind those performances.
“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.”
Championship leaders Coventry City will make Onyeka’s loan move from Brentford permanent when they secure promotion to the Premier League.
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