Ogenyi Onazi Reveals Why He's Still Important In Super Eagles Team After Making Standby List For Ghana

• Ogenyi Onazi says he has the experience to help Super Eagles after making Nigeria's standby list for Ghana
• According to Onazi, it doesn't matter whether you play for Man Utd or in Kazakhstan, getting called up to the national team is strictly based on merit
• The 29-year-old joined Saudi Arabia's second division team Al-Adalah in January but he is yet to feature for them

Experienced Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has claimed he was not surprised to see his name on Nigeria's standby list for the World Cup qualifier against Ghana two years since his last game for Super Eagles.

The 29-year-old joined Saudi Arabia's second division team Al-Adalah on January 19, 2022, but is yet to play for them.

Despite his lack of game time, Onazi surprisingly made the Super Eagles standby list for WCQ games against Ghana.

Eguavoen names 32-man squad for Ghana

Recall that Super Eagles handler Augustine Eguavoen on Friday, March 4, named a 32-man squad to prosecute the crucial final round world cup qualifier against the Black Stars of Ghana.

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Ghana host Nigeria at the Cape Coast Stadium on March 25 and then the reverse fixture is slated for March 29 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Ademola Lookman who recently switched his nationality from England to Nigeria has earned his first-ever call-up to play for the Nigeria senior team.

But one name caught the attention of Nigerians which is Ogenyi Onazi whose name appeared on the standby list.

Onazi's inclusion in the standby list caught many by surprise but certainly not him as he disclosed in an interview with Omasports and cited on Complete Sports.

Onazi says he always ready to serve his nation

The 2013 AFCON winner said: “It’s not a surprise for me because I’m still playing and I’m ready to play anytime and when it comes to the national team, I’m always at the service of the nation – to always give my best for the country.

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“Yes it’s been a while I was in the national team, but when we talk about this every game – home and away that will take us to the World Cup [it is very important]. When I got a call from the coach, he told me how important it is – and I also know how important it is. We need the experience to be able to tackle this game. It’s not a game of saying where do you play or where do you come from or whatever you’re doing.

“The likes of [Odion] Ighalo, the likes of Ahmed Musa and the rest who are on the list, we need to put our heads together. This is a national issue, not an individual issue. We are not playing a singles sport, we need to bring heads together to make the right things at the right time.

“Personally, I don’t listen to what they write online. I’m still on the reserve list, not yet on the main list so we can’t tell what’s going to happen. Let’s keep it that way and then we’ll see what’s going to happen.

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“As far as I’m concerned, football in this present situation now – it doesn’t matter if you’re playing in Manchester United or you’re playing in Kazakhstan or wherever. You’re not taking your club to go and play in the national team, you’re taking your individual skill and ability to join with your fellow players and make a team.”

Super Eagles defender Troost Ekong ruled out of Ghana game due to injury

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that William Troost-Ekong has been ruled out of Nigeria's upcoming World Cup play-offs against the Black Stars of Ghana after picking up a late injury.

The Watford defender was expected to lead the Super Eagles against their West African neighbours after being listed in Nigeria's squad for the crucial game.

Watford manager, Roy Hodgson has confirmed Ekong will be sidelined for a long time after picking up a muscle strain alongside teammate Sarr.

Ekong will be out of action for close to four weeks and is expected to be replaced in the Super Eagles squad by coach Augustine Eguavoen ahead of the trip to Ghana.