W/Cup play-off: NFF Eguavoen on collision course over Onazi
Super Eagles interim Technical Adviser Austin Eguavoen and NFF are reportedly heading for collision course following his invitation of one time Super Eagles vice-Captain Ogenyi Onazi.
Eguavoen who led Super Eagles to the round of 16 at Nations Cup in Cameroon placed Onazi in standby list in his 32 man provisional list dished out few days back.
Onazi’s invitation has not only rattled some persons at the Glass House but has become a subject of debate in football circles. The former Lazio man joined Saudi Arabia division two side Al-Adalah in January this year and some of those kicking are wondering how he made the list.
A chieftain of the Glass House has reportedly hinted that Eguavoen would be made to defend his reason for including Onazi in the provisional list ahead of the two legged qualifiers against Black Stars of Ghana this month. “We don’t interfere in selection of players but we can ask questions and the media too can ask questions” the Glass House Chieftain was quoted as saying.
While Eguavoen will be waiting to offer explanations to his employers he has however explained why he invited former junior international who has made 52 appearances for the Super Eagles with a goal to his credit.
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“Onazi, good player. Whether he’s still good and can play at that level, we don’t know. But that’s why I said to pacify everybody, to ensure there’s harmony here, put him on the standby. While he’s on the standby, I have the final say.” he was quoted as telling Soccernet.
It’s been four years since the midfielder last featured for Nigeria when he played in the country’s 3-0 win over Seychelles during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
He was also in camp for the 2018 World cup but did not play any of the three matches. Onazi did drop in the pecking order in the midfield where he belongs with former Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi and Etebo starting Nigeria’s opening match at the World cup in Russia against eventual finalists Croatia.