Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has questioned Frank Onyeka's move to Championship table-toppers Coventry City, insisting the decision represents a step backwards for a player of his quality.

The Brentford midfielder completed his transfer to Coventry City on deadline day, penning a loan deal until the end of the season, with an obligation to buy should the club achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Onyeka struggled for game time in the first half of the season, making six appearances off the bench in the Premier League, although he was named in the starting lineup for three Carabao Cup fixtures.

The FC Ebedei product was one of the unsung heroes as the Super Eagles clinched the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ikpeba argued that a drop to the Championship 'makes no sense' when a Premier League switch or a move to a top-flight side in France, Italy or Spain would better reflect his pedigree and Africa Nations Cup performances.

Speaking on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Ikpeba said: "These things happen in football when you don't have enough playing time. He is a top player, gives everything even the few times we've seen him playing for Brentford. 

"It's not nice for him to go down a step lower, the Championship. If he has gone to a Premier League club in England, it would have been great or go somewhere in France, Serie A, La Liga or  a first division side. It's very unfortunate."

Reflecting on his career, the former Borussia Dortmund and Monaco forward said: "I never played in the lower league throughout my 15 year, 16-year career. I never dreamt of the opportunity of playing in the second division. I had the opportunity to play in the second division towards the end of my career."

Ikpeba highlighted that Onyeka has already proved that he belongs at a higher level.

"For a top player, we saw what he can do with the ball at the Nations Cup. He should go to a better club, stay in the Premier League or move elsewhere. But going to Coventry because they are topping the league makes no sense.”