Brentford: Franck Onyeka back after 119 days out
Onyeka returns at just the right time ahead of the two games against Burkina Faso, on the 3rd and 4th qualifying matchdays for the 2023 AFCON.
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Franck Onyeka is smiling again, delighted to be playing football once more. The Nigeria international is back with Brentford's squad. Onyeka had been waiting a good while for this moment. After a long layoff of 119 days, the Super Eagle has found his feet again with the Bees. Brought on in the 74th minute for Christian Nörgaard against Everton, it was Onyeka's first appearance for Brentford since the hamstring injury he suffered on 12 November 2022. That came in the Bees' 2-1 win over Manchester City.
However, the midfielder could not prevent his side from losing to the Toffees. But no matter. Onyeka will no doubt tell himself that the main thing is something else: getting back into competitive action.
Back in the national squad
Franck Onyeka does not appear to be short of fitness in the eyes of Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro. His comeback even seems to be music to the coach's ears, as he has kept the midfielder in his squad to face Burkina Faso. The two games are the 3rd and 4th qualifying matchdays for the 2023 AFCON.
Peseiro will also have to make key decisions about his midfield options against the Etalons. Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi and Southampton's Joe Aribo are currently out of favour at their respective clubs, while Lorient's Innocent Bonke is still recovering from a heel injury. So, is Onyeka the answer in midfield? It is quite possible.
Jim CEESAY