Super Eagle Ogenyi Onazi is a 30-year-old midfielder. He should be in his prime and playing the best football of his career. But the man who represented Nigeria in the 2014 World Cup and played for Lazio in Serie A decided to join Casertana, a club from Serie D, the fourth level of Italian football.The man who made 52 appearances for the Super Eagles played for Lazio between 2012 and 2016 and played in his national team’s all four matches in the 2014 World Cup. There, he faced Lionel Messi and other global stars, but after years of playing in Turkey and smaller European countries, he decided to return to Italy – and a fourth-tier team. The ambitious Casertana FC made an offer to the Nigerian – and he said yes, much to the disbelief of football fans. Прикажи ову објаву у апликацији Instagram Објава коју дели Official Casertana F.C. (@official_casertana_fc) Speaking to Casertana’s website in late August, Onazi said that the club’s big ambitions drew him to the red and blue shirt.”Before coming here, I spoke to my agent. I’m not here for the money. I want a team that has ambition and a firm goal. The president spoke clearly to me. And I’m a player who loves taking responsibility. I know it’s not easy. Everyone is waiting for me, but I’m ready, loaded and motivated. I told the president that it’s not just me; the group is important. The president and the director did everything to bring me here. Now my companions and I must do our part. I’m here to win. I have received many offers these days, there were important economic proposals on the table, but I had given my word to President D’Agostino. I wanted to wear this shirt.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6911255##Four months later, Casertana is seventh in the Serie D Group G, with 11 points fewer than leaders Sorrento. It’s not going according to plan for the 2013 AFCON winner – primarily because of injuries. But he’s now back in training and is looking to help the team fight for promotion to Serie C.Onazi seems to draw attention whatever he does. Earlier this year, there was a stir in Nigeria after Austin Eguavoen included him in the Super Eagles provisional squad for the World Cup play-off against Ghana. And he told Punch he didn’t like being questioned.”I don’t know about what people are saying about my recall to the team,. Even if they tell the coach to cancel this list and announce another, there will still be complaints about it. These critics are saying this for personal reasons and opinion. I really don’t understand why people who don’t understand football will question a professional about his job.” Прикажи ову објаву у апликацији Instagram Објава коју дели Onazi Ogenyi Eddy (MON) 🧿 (@onaziogenyi) Although Onazi may be past his prime, he still has a lot to offer – and Casertana fans seem to love having him around. And he celebrated his big 30th birthday on Christmas with a message that’s so him.”Happy birthday to the most amazing person I know… MYSELF.”
