In this interview with Johnny Edward, Bahrain-based midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, a member of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Super Eagles squad, discusses his move to the Middle East, his Coppa Italia triumph, and his thoughts on various topics including Lionel Messi and the current state of Nigerian football.
Onazi explains his decision to join Istrifa in Bahrain, stating that it was driven by the coach’s need for his experience to help build a competitive team for the Asian Champions League. He emphasizes that his choice was not motivated by financial considerations but rather by the responsibilities the coach entrusted to him. He expresses a desire to play for the remainder of the season before making a long-term decision about his career.
When asked about Victor Osimhen, the standout Nigerian footballer currently playing for Napoli, Onazi praises his form and determination. He recalls advising Osimhen to focus on scoring goals when he joined the Super Eagles. Onazi believes that Osimhen will continue to excel due to his concentration and hunger for success. He acknowledges that while some may perceive Osimhen’s social media presence as playful, he is serious about his training and development as a professional athlete. Onazi is optimistic about Napoli’s chances of winning their first league title in over 30 years, stating that he is already preparing for the celebration and plans to be there when they achieve it.
Reflecting on his time at Lazio, Onazi describes the club as unforgettable. He recalls the support he received from fans despite facing challenges, including racism. Winning the Coppa Italia during the 2012/13 season, particularly in a derby against AS Roma, was a significant achievement for him. He remembers the tense atmosphere leading up to the final and the overwhelming joy of winning against their rivals, which he considers one of the best feelings of his career.
Onazi shares his thoughts on the current Super Eagles squad, noting the abundance of young talent available to coach Jose Peseiro. He believes that the team’s attacking options are impressive and encourages the players in their development. He acknowledges the challenges of national team football compared to club football, emphasizing the need for quick adaptation and focus due to the limited number of games available to showcase their abilities.
Recalling his experience playing against Lionel Messi at the 2014 World Cup, Onazi describes the anxiety and preparation leading up to the match. He recounts how difficult it was to contain Messi, who seemed to glide past defenders effortlessly. Despite their efforts to disrupt Argentina’s play, they ultimately conceded goals to Messi, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the world. Onazi expresses surprise at Argentina’s victory in the recent World Cup, initially favoring France due to their collective strength, but acknowledges the talent of players like Kylian Mbappe.
On the topic of January transfers, Onazi expresses his satisfaction with Paul Onuachu’s move to the Premier League, which he believes was long overdue. He recognizes the pressure that comes with playing in England and encourages Onuachu to maintain consistency in scoring goals. Onazi also shares his frustrations regarding the management of the Nigeria Professional Football League, highlighting the need for significant improvements in the development of football in the country. He believes that the current state of affairs must be addressed before meaningful progress can be made in Nigerian football.
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