I invited Onazi to pacify everybody – Eguavoen

The list of players released last week by interim coach of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen for selection ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana has left most football pundits pondering on the chances Nigeria has against the West African football powerhouse when they clash in less than three weeks.

Ogenyi Onazi, 29, despite his age, is already a veteran in the eyes of many. He was part of the 2013 AFCON-winning squad in South Africa and was in the squad that went to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Since then, the once promising midfielder has traversed several European countries in the hope of re-establishing his career, which has been blighted by injuries.

Presently, he plays for Saudi Arabian second division side Al-Adalah. The midfielder has made 11 league appearances for Al-Adalar with only four starts in those games. He is returning to the Super Eagles’ for the first time since September 2018. His last appearance in Nigeria’s colours came in a 3-0 victory over Seychelles during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Onazi’s inclusion in Eguavoen’s provisional list was condemned by former Super Eagles attacking midfield maestro, Etim Esin. In a chat with Sports Vanguard, Esin dismissed Onazi’s invitation with a wave of the hand. “Onazi has no place in that team,” he said. “I don’t think he is required in the present set up. We don’t really need Onazi as far as I am concerned.

“Osimhen is back. We need a strong forward line that can deliver goals for us. We need a poacher; that is what we lack. If we get that right, then the game is over and the World Cup ticket is ours.”