Nigeria vs Ghana: Saudi-based midfielder Ogenyi Onazi defends his inclusion in Super Eagles squad

Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Eddy Onazi has defended his inclusion to the squad to face Ghana in the World Cup playoff.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play the Black Stars in a two-legged encounter with the winner of both legs securing qualification to the biggest soccer mundial in Qatar.

Ghana will play host to Nigeria on March 25, 2022 before the reverse fixture at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 29, 2022.

The Saudi-based midfielder, who plays for second tier side Al Adalah was named among the standby list released by coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Onazi’s inclusion has generated a heated argument in Nigeria as they believe he has not been active since moving to the Asian country.

But according to him, he can help the Super Eagles secure qualification regardless of the where he plies his trade.

“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”, Onazi said.

“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, he said.