Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Bundesliga club FC Augsburg and the Nigeria national team.
Nicknamed “The Tank” for his tough tackling and endless energy in midfield, Onyeka has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most hardworking players abroad.
His journey from FC Ebedei in Nigeria to winning titles in Denmark with FC Midtjylland, playing in the Premier League with Brentford, and now in Germany with Augsburg, speaks of hard work and steady growth.
In this article, Footynaija.com brings you everything you need to know about the tireless Nigerian midfielder.
Biography
Frank Ugochukwu Onyeka was born on January 1, 1998, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He started his football journey with Faith Motors and later FC Ebedei, the same academy linked to Danish club FC Midtjylland, based in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria.
In 2016, Onyeka moved to Denmark to join Midtjylland’s youth setup. He made his senior debut for the club in 2017 and quickly impressed with his energy and defensive work in midfield.
Onyeka helped Midtjylland win the Danish Superliga title in the 2017/18 and 2019/20 seasons, and also featured in UEFA Champions League matches during his time there.
In the summer of 2021, Onyeka made a big move to the Premier League, signing for Brentford. He became part of the team’s engine room and made over 70 appearances across all competitions during his time at the West London club.
Although injuries sometimes slowed his momentum, Onyeka remained a reliable squad player for the Bees. He later made another important move by joining Bundesliga side FC Augsburg on loan, in 2024.
The transfer offered Onyeka a fresh challenge in Germany, where he continues to show his grit and strength in the middle of the park.
On the international scene, Onyeka made his debut for the Nigeria national team in 2020 and was part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Career Stats
Despite dealing with limited playing time at Brentford this season, Frank Onyeka remains one of Nigeria’s trusted midfielders in Europe.
Below is a breakdown of his numbers:
FC Midtjylland – 123 apps (17G, 7A)
Brentford – 78 apps (1G, 4A)
Augsburg — 30 apps (2A)
Nigeria – 29 apps (1G, 1A)
Frank Onyeka Salary
According to Capology, Frank Onyeka’s contract is set to run until June 30, 2025. For the 2024–2025 season, the Nigerian midfielder is expected to earn a gross salary of €2,450,000, which works out to around €47,115 per week before bonuses are added.
Frank Onyeka Net Worth and Market Value
Frank Onyeka’s net worth is reported to be around $5 million, reflecting his earnings from football contracts, endorsements, and bonuses over the years. At the time of this writing, his current market value is estimated at €7 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Parents
Frank Onyeka is the second oldest among five siblings. His mother initially preferred that he focused on academics, concerned about the uncertain prospects of a football career at the time. Despite her early reservations, Onyeka followed his passion for football and eventually earned her full support as his career progressed.
Before making his professional breakthrough, he helped support his family by working in roofing. And after signing his first professional contract with FC Midtjylland, he fulfilled a long-held personal goal by building a house for his family in Benin City, giving them greater stability and comfort.
While Onyeka has often spoken about the influence of his mother during his upbringing, details about his father have remained private and are not publicly documented.
Wife and Kids
Frank Onyeka is married to Mesoma Onyeka-Akaolisa. The couple got engaged in August 2023 and tied the knot shortly after in an intimate ceremony.
Mesoma is a talented mechanical engineer with wide-ranging experience across several industries. She currently holds a managerial position at American Express Company.
In December 2023, she also celebrated earning her MBA from the University of Illinois, a milestone she proudly shared on her Instagram page.
On January 1, 2024, Mesoma posted heartfelt wedding pictures and an emotional birthday tribute to Onyeka, calling him “the love of my life” and praying for a year filled with divine blessings and joy.
At the time of writing this report, the couple does not have a child.
Frank Onyeka Transfer News
Frank Onyeka is set to return to Brentford at the end of the 2024/25 season following the conclusion of his loan spell at FC Augsburg.
Onyeka joined the Bundesliga club on a season-long loan in August 2024 to secure more regular playing time, but reports suggest Augsburg have decided against pursuing a permanent move for the Nigerian midfielder.
There is no option to buy included in the loan deal, meaning Onyeka will rejoin Brentford, where his contract runs until 2027.
Frank Onyeka’s FC 25 Ratings
Frank Onyeka has an overall player rating of 72 in EA SPORTS FC 25 and his best attributes highlight his qualities as a hardworking and combative central midfielder.
Below is a breakdown of his best attributes:
Pace – 77
Acceleration: 68
Sprint Speed: 85
Defending – 72
Interceptions: 76
Defensive Awareness: 71
Standing Tackle: 73
Sliding Tackle: 68
Physical – 76
Aggression: 79
Stamina: 76
Strength: 74
Jumping: 74
Passing – 66
Short Passing: 73
Long Passing: 72
Vision: 70
Dribbling – 73
Agility: 79
Ball Control: 74
Reactions: 73