Forgotten Super Eagles star, Ogenyi Onazi has given justification for his inclusion in the squad, as Nigeria look forward to this month’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers with Black Stars of Ghana.
Onazi returned to the Super Eagles after his last appearance at the 2018 world cup in Russia, but was placed on the stand-by list by the Coach Augustine Eguavoen-led technical crew.
The former SS Lazio of Italy combative midfielder joined Saudi Arabia second division Al-Adalah on 19 January 2022 but is yet to play for them.
Onazi’s invitation has since triggered reactions from fans, with many citing his inclusion as needless.
However, the 2013 AFCON winner, speaking exclusively with Omasports, said he still has much to offer to the national team.
“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.
“Yes it’s been a while I was in the national team, but when we talk about this very 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 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 in 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.
“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.
“During my time at the national team, I never had a problem with anybody. I’ve always been a person in the middle – between the young and the old – to make them integrate into the team. When I’m on the pitch, I give my all until I’m almost dead.”
