Frank Onyeka has opened up about how tough his early football experience in Europe was, recalling the emotional struggle during his first winter abroad — www.isagoal.com reports.
He shared his story on The Culture League podcast, giving a raw account of what it was like moving from Nigeria to Denmark at 18, as reported by Soccernet.
Onyeka had just made the jump from FC Ebedei to Danish club FC Midtjylland, marking the start of a major shift in his career and personal life.
Adjusting to European football demanded more than just talent—it required him to adapt to freezing temperatures, new tactics, and a completely different culture.
Growing up in Benin City, Nigeria, where the weather rarely dips, Onyeka described how hard it was to get used to the biting cold of Scandinavian winters.
“For me, it wasn’t easy,” he said. “Leaving Nigeria for Denmark, then England and Germany… every step was tough.”
He also noted how different the football systems were, with each move pushing him to learn quickly and stay mentally strong.
While fans often focus on the fame of footballers, Onyeka said the mental toll of those changes is often overlooked.
“It wasn’t easy in winter,” he added. “People think it’s just football, but it’s more than that.”
Looking back, Onyeka remembers one freezing day when the cold broke him: “My first winter in Denmark, after training, I cried. Me and my friend took off our gloves, and we were crying.”
This article was updated 5 days ago