Nigerian supporters question Onazi’s selection

Nigerian fans have reacted to the inclusion of Ogenyi Onazi in the Super Eagles’ 32-man squad to face Ghana in a Qatar 2022 World Cup playoff game later this month.

Nigeria and Ghana are expected to compete for a spot in the world’s largest football tournament.

Ahead of the match, Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen selected the 2013 AFCON player as one of seven players on standby for the vital showdown a move that has disappointed many supporters.

The midfielder last appeared for Nigeria four years ago, in a 3-0 win over Seychelles in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

A surprised Emmanuel Ajegunma sarcastically asked, “I thought we are playing for the World Cup and not just a friendly match? What is Onazi, who many had thought had retired doing in the squad, I hope this is not what I am thinking.”

“Onazi needs to understand that he has passed his prime,” Wole Popoola told Punch Sports Extra.

“Is it so difficult to get players who are still in the active league rather than those in the obscure league? I don’t find this list so convincing.”

Alexander Ehodagbe said, “I heard the Ghanaians are saying their coach should not invite players playing in the Saudi league and here we are digging out one from there. I laugh for Nigeria my country.”

“I saw on standby Ogenyi Onazi, is he still playing football? I thought he has retired,” Chinedu Eze wrote on Twitter.

The Black Stars will play at home on March 25 in Cape Coast, with the return match in Abuja scheduled for March 29.

Ghana’s squad list will be released in the coming days by the Ghana Footbal Association.