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/Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi is set to leave Lithuanian club Zalgris after opting not to renew his contract, Completesports.com reports.
Onazi linked up with the Lithuanian champions in February after he was released by Danish Superliga team SønderjyskE.
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“I had an offer and it came very fast, I had to accept,” Onazi said.
“I will like to thank the President for giving me this opportunity.”
The 28-year-old featured in 19 league games for Zalgris and scored twice.
9 Comments
Like what the heck really happened to this guy?!!! This has been more or less a serious nosedive since after Russia 2018. Even his fellow retirees like Mikel, Moses and Ighalo are still banking the money in comparatively big leagues. What happened? Marriage? Age? Fitness? Injury? Village people? Lol
Baba Kel, whether Dr Drey likes it or not, Onazi will make it to Afcon next year. Lol
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Lol! @deo. But honestly Onazi will really struggle to make the AFCON squad. I think we already have enough options in that midfield playing at the top level. Ndidi, Etebo, Onyeka Aribo, Iwobi, and potentially Ejaria and Olise or Nwakali and other younger ones that could be unearthed going forward. When a Joel Obi who is a bit older than Onazi is still getting transferred to a Serie A club Salernitana and doesn’t even have any realistic chance of making the team then I think Onazi’s days in the SuperEagles may be over.
@Ayphillydegreat… honestly, I will say six months is enough time for anyone to play himself into reckoning in any team where every one’s chances is allowed to be decided by how well they perform for their club. Sometimes what you cannot buy is experience… Joel Obi still performing at Serie A levels, and Onazi with his fitness and injury problems behind him… it would not be fair for anyone to rule them out of upcoming nations cup and subsequently world cup if they are performing commendably for their clubs… apart from injuries, I believe Onazi had a falling out with the gaffer from Russia 2018 world cup… he was never played after starting most of the qualifiers and doing well… me personally, I do not think if I am coach, I will play Onyeka and Etebo ahead of either an Onazi or Joel Obi… different people see different players with different eyes though… anything for me short of an AFCON 2022 final appearance will be in my opinion, a fail by our coach and squad… the season is just starting and we shall be here to witness all the fireworks from all our players…
Jimmy I here you. If a player is fully fit and possessed experience like Obi and Onazi there’s nothing wrong in giving them a chance if they can prove their fitness and playing regularly at their various club sides. However, playing in Lithuanian and potentially club less if no suitors come around before the end of the transfer window. I hope he secures a good deal with the AFCON only 4 months away. It will be a miracle for Onazi to make the squad ahead of Ndidi, Etebo and Onyeka. He won’t make the squad ahead of Obi if he’s getting games alongside Simy at Salernitana. Yeah it’s interesting times ahead and everyone will see how this team have grown since 2019.
Hehehehe. Might be a surprise inclusion with some old and new faces. Lol. Seriously, this workaholic guy’s rapid decline shock me. Mysterious.
@Kel… when you have history of injuries… clubs will be naturally reluctant to signing you… injuries and as a result, fitness has slowed Onazi down I will say since Russia 2018… it appears very difficult now that Onyeka and Etebo have joined Ndidi at EPL but it remains to be seen if those trio will close shop on the hunt for further defensive midfielders for the SUPER EAGLES… it is interesting days ahead and we shall also have a chance to weigh-in on Joel Obi and Simmy Nwankwo at Salernitana, Italy.
That explains it @Jimmyball. Quite unfortunate. Another gem that has struggled with injury is Ebuehi and I don’t think Nigeria has seen the best of him. I really hope he’s a regular soon to add a different style option for the gaffer when the party starts in January and WCQ.
Hahahahaha @Deo. Please stop deceiving the Pope. You want to go to AFCON playing in Lithuanian league nde….LMAOOo. Issonight (apologies to Chief Zebrudaya).
Someone who hasnt played any sensible football in 2 seasons neither has he played in the national team in 3 years wants to go to AFCON playing in Lithuanian league…..LMAOOOo….once again…Issonight. No disrespect, but Enyimba will win the Lithuanian league 3 years in a row…..LMAOOoo
The message is beginning to ring clearly and we all should be very glad about that. If a whole national team captain could cancel a $200k per week contract in Saudi, 4 days after playing a league game, despite winning the league and super cup the previous season, in order to return to Europe to sustain his relevance in the current SE setup, then whoever wants to be part of that same set up knows what to do.