On Friday, Al-Adalah FC midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi was recalled to the Super Eagles, almost four years since his last callup, albeit on standby.
The decision of the coaching crew of the Super Eagles led by Austin Eguavoen has generated comments, most of which are in criticism of the decision.
Eguavoen in a chat with journalists explained the reason Onazi was invited on standby amongst many other issues.
He said the 2013 AFCON winner was invited to “pacify everybody”. Eguavoen in the chat also stated that he's unsure if the midfielder could still play at the top level.
“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.”
Onazi was shockingly a part of seven players placed on standby by Eguavoen. The former Lazio and Trabzonspor midfielder was last invited to the Super Eagles in 2018.
He had since played in different countries including Finland since then where he last played before moving to the Saudi Pro League 2.
To pacify everybody?….who?… See Nigerian mentality….pacify who?…We have young players who are performing day in day out in their respective clubs and yearning to wear Nigerian colors (like Dessers), you are bringing in dead beats to camp… Please Eguavoen, Nigeria National team is a serious business… “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.”…. Really?…Are you serious? Na wa o… But sha o… Know now.. Nigerians are not stupid people o.
He is referring to NFF. The politics of Nigerian football. Player selection is about who you know.
One of the reasons they chased Rohr away. Accepted i am no fan of Rohr. one thing i know, he will not take this rubbish. My advice for Eguavoen is to focus on his job. stop trying to please everyone. if you fail woefully, all those you are trying to pacify, will abondon you.
This is the problem with indigenous coaches. They are so hungry that they can do anything just to remain in the position they are. What would you get from a player that plays for a second tier club side in Saudi Arabia?
Oga coach, you don’t have to force your stay as a coach by fielding who your bosses want. Same reason made you lost out at AFCON and you are just about to make another that would be.very detrimental to Nigeria at large. Maybe you are really not a good coach no doubt.
You’re gambling with Nigeria’s chances at the expense of sentiments. If he fails to perform or turn out a flop leading to Nigeria not going to the world cup Nigerians shall hold you accountable.
In order for us to know that this guy doesn’t know anything or maybe I should say he has been bribed, he said he doesn’t even know may b he is still playing at the top level, and we have the likes of seyi ojo, ejara , Young players that are capable, and willing to play for this country.
He is already showing that he’s not capable, now I won’t be surprise if Nigeria did not qualify,
As long as we have amaju as the Nff president, the future of our football is in jeopardy