Coventry City are back on top of the Championship table following a statement 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at the  Coventry Building Society Arena on Monday night.

From a Nigerian perspective, the headline news ahead of kickoff was the inclusion of Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka in the starting XI, his first appearance for the Sky Blues following his loan move from Brentford in the winter transfer window. 

However, it was Haji Wright who was the star of the show, with the United States international centre-forward netting a hat-trick.

Onyeka earned praise from Coventry City manager Frank Lampard after a commanding display in midfield. 

Revealing what impressed him about Onyeka, Lampard told  BBC Coventry & Warwickshire post-match: "Yes, absolutely. It was brilliant. His performance, his power in winning the ball, his quality of understanding when to jump and press, and what he's like in duels, but also his quality of play."

Twenty seven minutes into the contest, Onyeka was booked for a late challenge on Aidan Morris in the Boro half. 

"It was a massive performance from him, and he gets a booking — it’s never a booking. I’m thinking, if he tires, is he going to come off? But I thought he dealt with that situation well.

“An outstanding debut. To come from the Premier League and step up to this level of game so quickly in his career, to make his debut in that game and perform as he did, was a great sign. I am really pleased for him," Lampard added. 

Onyeka's loan deal with Coventry City includes an obligation to buy, which will be triggered should the club secure promotion to the Premier League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel