Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has reacted to Nigeria’s list for the Africa Cup of Nations starting later this month, stressing that whoever gets the chance to represent the country must give their all.
Eric Chelle released his 28-man squad for the tournament, which included a few surprises as there was no space for the likes of Tolu Arokodare, Maduka Okoye, and Victor Boniface. Instead, the squad featured new faces such as Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Salim Fago Lawal, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Usman Mohammed, as well as a recall for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho – an inclusion that shocked many Nigerians.
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Chelle’s bold decisions have triggered mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike, with many arguing that the team appears lightweight despite the presence of established stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Calvin Bassey.
Onazi, who won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, urged the players to seize the opportunity and make the nation proud.
“Just like our team in 2013, we had many new players who made many people not believe in the team when we went to the tournament in South Africa,” the former Lazio midfielder said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa. “We knew we had a huge task in front of us, and we decided to give it our best and we were able to lift the title. I expect the same from this set of players as I want them to forget about what anyone thinks and go hard, real hard, to try and win the title. Yes, I saw the list but I always insist once you wear that jersey, it does not matter when you play.”
“What matters is your heart. Give your all to the team and remember that you are representing the whole of Nigeria. More than 200 million people are looking up to you to make them happy at that moment. Just do your best and leave everything on the pitch,” he added.
The Super Eagles will begin preparations for the tournament with a friendly clash against Egypt at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before heading to Fez, Morocco, for their first group fixture.
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Nigeria will take on Tanzania on 23rd December, before further group-stage encounters against Tunisia on 27th December and Uganda on 30th December to wrap up the first round.
