Former Super Eagles coach compares EPL star to Okocha, wants him to play for Nigeria
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Augustine Eguavoen who is the handler of the Super Eagles of Nigeria has explained that he recalled Ogenyi Onazi to the national team so as to pacify some people who recommended him.
Ogenyi Onazi has not played for the Super Eagles since the team crashed out at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as the midfielder was overlooked for the 2019 AFCON.
He was also not called for the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon where Nigeria were knocked out in the round of 16 by Tunisia.
Former Super Eagles coach compares EPL star to Okocha, wants him to play for Nigeria
FootballHowever, the former Lazio man was named in the standby list for Super Eagles two-legged ties against Ghana in 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Many Nigerian football lovers were not happy to see the name of Ogenyi Onazi on the standby list and coach Eguavoen has offered explanation.
According to the reports on GOAL and Soccernet, Eguavoen divulged that Ogenyi Onazi is a good player, but maintained that he will make the final decision as the coach.
“Whether he’s still good and can play at that level we don’t know but to pacify everybody, to just make sure there’s harmony here I put him on standby. He’s on standby, but again I have the final say. Like I said before, I have my plan and it’s close to my chest.”
Excitement as top European Club identify Super Eagles striker as top summer transfer target
FootballEarlier, Sports Brief had reported how former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia frowned at the 25-man squad list released by Eguavoen for the final World Cup playoff against Ghana in two-legged encounters.
Last week, interim coach Austine Eguavoen released the names of those invited for the two-legged ties and placed seven others on standby including Taiwo Awoniyi.
So far this season, Taiwo Awoniyi is the leading Nigerian scorer in Europe as the former Liverpool striker is having 10 goals and was also part of the team that went to Cameroon for 2021 AFCON.
On the list released by Eguavoen, Leicester City forward Ademola Lookman got maiden call-up, while Emmnauel Dennis will be making a return to the Super Eagles having previously played 3 games.