Awoniyi, Onyeka Tastes Defeat Against Arsenal In Premier League Opener

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka experienced defeat to Arsenal in the 2026/2027 English Premier League opening game of the season.

Arsenal handed Coventry City their first loss of the season at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard goals inflicted defeat on the Sky Blues who just made a return to the EPL after spending last season at the EFL Championship.

Havertz gave the defending champions the lead in the 15 minute with a trade mark finish, while Saka bundled on a defensive slip to double the Gunners lead in the 23 minute.

Skipper, Odegaard deflected shot found its way to the back of the net of Coventry City and sealed an powerful statement win for Arsenal against the newly promoted side.

Nigeria midfielder, Onyeka was on for the entire duration of the game while Awoniyi came on in the second half for Ellims Simms in the 69 minutes and played for 21 minutes.

Coventry City will take a break for the EPL and trade tackles with Plymouth in the Carabao Cup second round at the, Home Park, Plymouth.

While Arsenal will take on Aston Villa away from home on Monday, August 31 at the Villa Park, Birmingham.