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Onazi: How I Became A Super Eagles Player

By Daily Sports on April 23, 2020

Denizlispor star Ogenyi Onazi said his performances against Tottenham Hotspur in a Europa League game during his time at Lazio earned him his first invitation to the Nigeria team.

Former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi watched him play in the encounter back in September 2012 and was impressed with his display.

Keshi subsequently handed him his first call-up the following month and made his debut in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Liberia.

“Keshi told me he wanted me to do something for Nigerians, that he was going to play me in the right-back position against Zambia, Efe Ambrose was suspended. I told him I was ready to play as a goalkeeper,” Onazi told Super Eagles media team via Instagram live.

“Coach Stephen Keshi personally watched me playing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League when I was in Lazio.

“That was when he asked Enebi, the Team Secretary, if I was a Nigerian and he said yes, he said he wanted me in the national team, so that’s how I came to the Super Eagles.

“I have so much respect for the Big Boss, I never forget about him, he’s a legend and may his soul rest in peace and God bless him wherever he is, he contributed massively to my football career.”

Onazi played a key part as the Super Eagles clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title for the third time in their history in South Africa.

He featured for Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they were eliminated at the Round of 16 and was part of the 2018 edition in Russia. (Goal)

•PHOTO: Ogenyi Onazi

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 23, 2020