Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka says he is looking forward to representing Nigeria again at the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time in his career after being part of the last AFCON team which was played in Cameroon in early 2022, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The tournament will hold from January 13 to February 11in Ivory Coast.
Despite making the last squad, Onyaka only played 15 minutes in Nigeria’s four matches, when he came on for Kelechi Nwakali in the 76th minute during Nigeria’s last group game against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria exited the last AFCON in the round of 16, no thanks to an ill-fated 1-0 defeat against Tunisia.
Since making his debut for Nigeria in October 2020, the 25-year-old has gone ahead to play 12 times for the country and will be looking for an opportunity to add more caps at Africa’s biggest tournament.
“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,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
“I was a boy playing in the streets of Nigeria and now I’m representing the Super Eagles at 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.”
Onyeka is one of the potential numerous absentees that will hit the English Premier League when the tournament kicks off on January 13.
The Nigerian has been a regular for the Bees in the EPL, featuring in 15 of their games so far this season along with fellow Africans Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon and DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa.
While Mbeumo is already ruled out of the AFCON with an injury, Onyeka believes the club will be able to cope with their absence for the period.
“It’s not going to be easy. But I know the team – they are strong,” the 25-year-old added.
“When someone leaves, another person is there to take their place.”
Onyeka has been handed a provisional callup to the Eagles squad in the United Arab Emirates as their camp opens on Friday (today).
