Nigerians Face Tough Start in EPL Season Opener

Coventry City players Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi faced a heavy 3-0 loss to Arsenal in their first game of the season at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night. This match marked the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season, with 10 Nigerians set to play, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Onyeka played a key role in helping Coventry return to the Premier League after 25 years. Awoniyi joined the club just four days before the match, making their opening game against the champions a tough challenge.

Hull City’s promotion also brought Semi Ajayi back to the Premier League. The defender had 33 appearances in the top flight during West Bromwich Albion’s 2020/21 season. He helped Hull secure a clean sheet in their play-off final win over Middlesbrough at Wembley.

Ajayi's experience will be crucial for Hull as they prepare to face Manchester United on Saturday.

David Akintola, who has played in Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, and Turkey, will start his first Premier League season at 30. He helped Hull gain promotion but will compete for a spot with other wide players at the club.

The most talked-about newcomer is Zadok Yohanna. Brighton signed him from AIK in Sweden on a five-year deal after he scored five goals and provided four assists in 18 matches. He has been given the number thirty-six shirt and a place in the first-team squad. The club said he will need time to adjust to the Premier League.

Benjamin Fredrick has also joined Brentford’s Premier League squad for the new season. The Super Eagles centre-back received the number 48 shirt after signing a new four-year contract last month, which includes an option for another year. He might debut against Tottenham on Saturday.

In other news, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina are back in the league as experienced players. Iwobi has made 320 Premier League appearances and scored four goals with three assists in 27 matches last season. He also earned his 100th cap for Nigeria in June.

Bassey is becoming a key player at Craven Cottage, bringing calmness to his game along with his strength. Both Iwobi and Bassey will take on Chelsea at home on Monday.

Aina remains a reliable player for Nottingham Forest. He signed a contract until 2028 and continues to play a strong role in both sides of the defense.

Chuba Akpom is also back in the top flight with Ipswich Town. He made his loan from Ajax a permanent deal until 2029 after finishing as the Championship's top scorer last season with 31 matches played during Ipswich’s promotion campaign.