Nigeria, Feb. 17 -- From a Nigerian perspective, the standout talking point before kick-off was the inclusion of Frank Onyeka in Coventry City's starting XI.

The Super Eagles midfielder was handed his first start for the Sky Blues since arriving on a winter loan from Brentford, a decision that signalled the manager's trust in him for a high-stakes Championship contest.

While the night ultimately belonged to Haji Wright, whose clinical hat-trick stole the headlines, Onyeka's midfield performance quietly underpinned Coventry's dominance and did not go unnoticed.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard was full of praise for the Nigerian after the final whistle, singling him out for a commanding all-action display.

"Yes, absolutely. It was brilliant...