Onyeka, Awoniyi lose opener as 10 Nigerians begin EPL campaign

Coventry City's Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a 3-0 loss to champions Arsenal in their opening Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night. This marked the 2026/27 Premier League campaign's kickoff with ten Nigerians set to participate, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra. Onyeka played a crucial role in Coventry's return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence, while Awoniyi joined the club just four days prior to the season opener.

Both faced a challenging start against the strong Arsenal team. Hull City's Semi Ajayi also returned to the Premier League with the promotion-seeking team. The defender, who made 33 top-flight appearances during West Bromwich Albion's 2020/21 season, started Hull's play-off final victory over Middlesbrough and contributed to a clean sheet at Wembley.

Hull's 32-year-old defender is expected to be vital in their survival efforts against Manchester United on Saturday. David Akintola, who played in Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, and Turkey, will commence his Premier League debut at the age of 30 after assisting Hull's promotion. However, he faces competition from several other wide players at the club.

Zadok Yohanna, Brighton's new signing from Swedish side AIK, is the most closely watched newcomer. The teenager has been handed the number 36 shirt and a first-team position, though the club anticipates he will require time to adapt to Premier League football. Additionally, Benjamin Fredrick joined Brentford's Premier League squad for the upcoming season after signing a new four-year contract.

He is set to make his debut against Tottenham on Saturday. Other established figures returning to the division include Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina. Iwobi, with 320 Premier League appearances under his belt, scored four goals and provided three assists last season and recently earned his 100th Nigeria cap. Bassey, a stable presence at Craven Cottage, has added composure to his physical attributes.

Aina remains one of Nottingham Forest's dependable players with a contract until 2028. Chuba Akpom also returns to top-flight football with Ipswich Town, having converted his loan from Ajax into a permanent deal until 2029. After Ipswich's promotion last season, Akpom finished as the Championship's top scorer with 31 appearances.