Ten Nigerians Kick Off Premier League Season Amidst Defeats

Ten Nigerian players are set to feature in the 2026/2027 Premier League season. Coventry City duo Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi commenced their campaigns with a challenging 3-0 defeat to defending champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on August 21.

Onyeka played a significant role in Coventry’s return to the Premier League after 25 years, while Awoniyi joined the club just four days prior to the match. Semi Ajayi returns to the Premier League with Hull City after helping secure promotion, starting their campaign against Manchester United later that day.

David Akintola also joins Hull City for his first Premier League experience. Brighton's Zadok Yohanna, signed from AIK, is set for his debut season, while Brentford's Benjamin Fredrick has been promoted to the first team.

Established players like Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina are also set to begin their campaigns, with Iwobi having made 320 Premier League appearances. Chuba Akpom returns to the league with Ipswich Town after a permanent move from Ajax.