Onazi is on a standby for a reason – Eguavoen

Austin Eguavoen, the head coach of the Super Eagles, has justified his decision to include Onazi Ogenyi in the World Cup playoff team to face Ghana.

Onazi, 29, last played for Nigeria during the World Cup in Russia, but he was forced to withdraw due to a prolonged injury.

His addition to the squad to face Ghana was met with stiff opposition from Nigerian football fans.

At a meet-and-greet in Lagos, Eguavoen viewed Onazi’s inclusion as a critical step.

“Onazi good player,” Eguavoen explained. “Whether he is still good; can play at that level, we don’t know.

“But that’s why I said, okay you know what, to pacify everybody, to just make sure there’s harmony here, put him on a standby. But he is on a standby. But again I have the final say.” he added.