Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka marked his Coventry City debut in a key EFL Championship encounter as the Sky Blues secured a 3–1 home victory over Middlesbrough on Monday, reclaiming the league’s top position in the process.
The win ended Middlesbrough’s six-game winning run and restored Coventry to the summit of the Championship table after a period of mixed form. Onyeka started the match after arriving on loan from Brentford earlier in February.
USA striker Haji Wright stole the show with a hat-trick, scoring in the 21st minute, again early in the second half and then netting from the penalty spot as Coventry edged clear. Middlesbrough pulled a goal back through Riley McGree, but it was not enough to halt the hosts’ momentum.
Onyeka’s debut came in a high-stakes clash at the Coventry Building Society Arena, where the Sky Blues responded strongly after recently losing ground at the top of the table. Their confidence was boosted by Wright’s clinical finishing and overall pressing display under manager Frank Lampard.
Editorial
Frank Onyeka’s first appearance for Coventry City in such a pivotal match highlights the club’s intent to bolster their promotion push. Bringing in a player of Onyeka’s experience adds quality and depth to midfield, offering tactical options as Coventry navigate both the title race and the grueling demands of a Championship season.
The hat trick from Haji Wright not only secured the points but also injected belief back into a side that had dipped in form before this fixture. Reclaiming the top spot against a direct promotion rival like Middlesbrough gives Coventry an early psychological edge as the season enters its critical stages. Nigerian supporters will be eager to see Onyeka build on this promising start in the weeks ahead.
Coventry’s ability to respond after losing their previous league lead shows resilience and a collective determination that could be key to their Premier League ambitions. With Onyeka now integrated into the squad, the Sky Blues have stronger options as they aim to maintain consistency at the top.
Did You Know?
- Frank Onyeka made his Coventry City debut in the Championship clash against Middlesbrough.
- Haji Wright scored a hat-trick as Coventry won 3–1 to return to the top of the league.
- Middlesbrough’s six-game winning streak was ended by this defeat.
- Coventry City now sit atop the Championship table with three key points from this fixture.
- Onyeka joined Coventry on loan from **Brentford** in early February 2026.
