I’m A Good Instrumentalist

Onazi Ogenyi has flourished as player since he announced his arrival when he featured for Nigeria at the FIFA Nigeria 2009 U-17 World Cup where they finished as runners-up to finally earning a place with the Super Eagles. Following his impeccable performance at the 2013 AFCON, where Nigeria emerged eventual winners, the midfielder has been synonymous with most bookmakers, hence, supersport.com engaged him while he was on holiday before the Serie A resumes.


Who is Onazi?
I was born in Jos, I’m from a family of three and I’m happen to be the last born of the family. I grew up in Jos and that was where my career started.

How has the experience been so far in the green and white shirt?
It’s a great opportunity and great experience that every footballer wants to get and I always give thanks to God for giving grace that has seen me manage to secure a chance to feature in this level for my country.

You were focal at the AFCON which saw Nigeria emerge champions, was that your greatest achievement as a player?
It is certainly one of my greatest achievements since I started playing football and I’m happy I got the opportunity through God’s grace to feature in the greatest competition in the continent. The country was in search of the title that evaded them for a while and we managed to bring it back home.

Well, every player has a role model out there, who makes you tick and why?
I can’t single out any individual. There are great people out there who inspire me and I manage to pick certain aspects from all of them.

You missed out on the 2013 Confederations Cup, what’s the extent of your injury?
I suffered a knee injury and it wasn’t that terrible and by grace of God I’ll be going back to club since I’ve recovered.

As a young Nigerian footballer, what do you think of the upcoming players’ should do in their bid to thrive?
Most important thing they should value is hard work, discipline and pray to God and that they should as well play as if everything is dependant on them on the field of play.

How has Serie A treated you so far?
It’s been a perfect experience for me and it’s a good platform for young players to learn with every chance given to prove your worth because if you fluff you chance you lose your opportunity.

What do you do when not playing football?
I’m a good gospel musician and I play instruments. These is one of the things that make me stay indoors, I love music.

What do you make of Nigeria’s World Cup chances?
We are not there yet, all I can say for now since we are in the campaign is God’s grace will see us excel and go through to the tournament.

What do you make of African football?
African football is really progressing and I was surprised that Cape Verde eliminated Cameroon to qualify for AFCON. Other countries also played well like Burkina Faso and that highlights how greater they climb up in terms of level of play.