Super Eagles duo Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka are set to help Coventry City begin their return to the Premier League when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
The fixture will mark Coventry’s first appearance in England’s top flight since the 2000/01 season after Frank Lampard’s side secured promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last term.
Onyeka played an important role in Coventry’s promotion campaign after joining the club on loan from Brentford in January. The 28-year-old midfielder made 14 league appearances during the second half of the season, scoring once.
The Nigeria international quickly became a key figure in Lampard’s midfield and will now get the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League with the Sky Blues.
Awoniyi, meanwhile, joined Coventry permanently from Nottingham Forest earlier this week, bringing considerable Premier League experience to Lampard’s squad.
The 29-year-old ended his four-year spell at Forest following his move to the CBS Arena and will be keen to make an immediate impact with his new club.
Awoniyi endured a difficult period at Forest, struggling to secure regular playing time over the last two seasons. His move to Coventry provides the former Union Berlin striker with an opportunity to revive his career and play a significant role in the club’s fight for Premier League survival.
Coventry will face a major early test against Arsenal, with Awoniyi and Onyeka hoping to help the newly promoted side begin their top-flight campaign on a positive note.