AFCON 2023: Brentford will cope without me, says Onyeka

Brentford’s Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka clears the ball during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on December 6 2023. (Photo by AFP)

Frank Onyeka believes his Premier League side Brentford will cope without him as he get set to feature at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

Onyeka was included in head coach Jose Peseiro’s final 25-man squad for this year’s tournament.

The 25-year-old’s inclusion means he will miss weeks of action for Brentford who lost their last five games.

However, he believes Brentford have the squad depth to go on without him.

“It’s not going to be easy. But I know the team – they are strong,” Onyeka told the BBC.

“When someone leaves, another person is there to take their place.”

Onyeka explained that representing Nigeria at the AFCON is a must for him.

“I’ll always want to represent my country on the big stage. It’s an honour to wear the green and white shirt, so it’s something that I have to do.”

“I was a boy playing in the streets of Nigeria and now I’m representing the Super Eagles at [the] AFCON.

“It is a dream come true, because after watching AFCON legends in past years, now you’re going to be part of the team. I’m looking forward to it so much.”

Brentford will next be in action on Friday 5 January when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.

The Super Eagles will face Group A opponents Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau on 14, 18 and 22 January respectively in the AFCON.

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