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Brentford and Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has revealed the emotional toll of adapting to life and football in Europe, recounting how he was brought to tears during his first winter training session in Denmark.
Back in early 2016, an 18-year-old Onyeka took his first steps into European football when he joined Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland.
Before his transfer to Scandinavia, he had previously honed his skills at partner club FC Ebedei.
Adapting to life in Europe posed its challenges, but it was also a period of growth and transformation for the young talent as he navigated a new culture, climate and footballing environment.
Onyeka, who grew up in the warm city of Benin City, has opened up about the tough transition from Nigeria to Europe, where language barriers, tactical demands and freezing conditions made the journey anything but smooth.
“For me, it wasn’t easy, I’ll say, because coming out from Nigeria, going to Denmark, then to England, then to Germany, it was difficult because you have to get used to the culture and how the coach wants you to play, new system and also language,” Onyeka said on The Culture League podcast.
Despite the outward perception of footballers living a glamorous life, Onyeka reminded listeners that the emotional and physical adjustments behind the scenes can be overwhelming.
“It wasn’t easy. I know a lot of people think, ‘he’s a football player’… The weather also, there’s winter, so it wasn’t easy in winter.”
Recalling one of his most challenging moments, the former FC Midtjylland midfielder revealed how he and a teammate broke down after a brutal training session in the Danish cold.
“I could remember my first winter in Denmark, I was crying after training. Me and my friend took off the gloves, we were just crying.”
