The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory marked a definitive milestone for Ogenyi Onazi, who played every minute of Nigeria's knockout matches during the tournament. Born on 25 December 1992 in Jos, the midfielder emerged from local street football to build a career spanning multiple continents and diverse professional leagues, eventually becoming a Member of the Order of the Niger.
Early Development and Lazio Transition
Onazi began playing football in Jos in 1998, developing his skills within city academies before moving to Lagos to play for My People. Following his participation in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Nigeria reached the final, he moved to Italy to join Lazio. He made his Serie A debut in the 2011-12 season, appearing as a late substitute against Atalanta. By the 2012-13 season, he became a regular under coach Vladimir Petković, operating in a defensive midfield role alongside Cristian Ledesma. His contributions included a goal against Stuttgart in the Europa League and a strike in a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in May 2013.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →European Club Tenure
In September 2014, the midfielder signed a two-year contract extension with Lazio lasting until 2018. His performance remained critical to the squad, notably scoring an 88th-minute goal against Napoli in May 2015 to help secure a Champions League spot. He moved to the Turkish club Trabzonspor in August 2016 for a fee of €3.5 million. His subsequent career involved various short-term stints across Europe, including time at Denizlispor, the Danish club SønderjyskE, and the Lithuanian champions Žalgiris. In 2022, he returned to Italy to join the Serie D side Casertana, later representing Kitchee in Hong Kong and Avezzano Calcio.
International Career
Representing his home nation, Onazi debuted for the senior team in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia. His first international goal occurred during a friendly win against Venezuela. He played in all four matches for Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Although named to the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he did not feature in the tournament. His international trajectory was later impacted by an Achilles injury sustained in December 2018, which prevented his participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 December 1992, Jos, Nigeria
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- Professional Debut: 2012
- Lazio Coppa Italia Win: 2012-13
- Trabzonspor Turkish Cup Win: 2019-20
- 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Champion
- National Honor: Member of the Order of the Niger
- Languages: English, Igbo, Nigerian Pidgin
Questions readers ask
Which major trophies has Ogenyi Onazi won?
He won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, the 2012-13 Coppa Italia with Lazio, and the 2019-20 Turkish Cup with Trabzonspor.
Did Onazi participate in the FIFA World Cup?
Yes, he started all four games for Nigeria in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was a member of the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.
