Onazi Apologises to NFF over Red Card

Super Eagles’ midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has formally apologised to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for his on-field action that led to a straight red card in last month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad in Kaduna.
In a letter dated 30th June, 2015 and addressed to the NFF General Secretary, the SS Lazio of Italy playmaker wrote: “Sequel to your letter REF: NFF/OGS/Admin/Vol.V/009, I hereby tender an unreserved apology with respect to my conduct which led to my dismissal in the game against Chad in Kaduna.


“I accept the fact that my act tantamount to an unacceptable one on the field of play. However, I want to inform you that my action on the pitch was not premeditated and was only a reaction to a violent attack on me by the Chadian player, who hit me from behind while I was standing outside the penalty box.


“In addition, I had tendered an unreserved apology immediately after the match via my official social media accounts, as well as in the traditional media, to my teammates and to Nigerians who felt let down by an act they considered surprising because of my reputation in that regard.
“Also, I had volunteered to attend the two matches that I have since been punished for by CAF both at home and away, to support my teammates. I believe this is an amenable punishment and therefore appeal for the further fine of $5,000 that was imposed on me by the NFF.”


Also yesterday, another Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, made a surprise visit to the Golden Eaglets' training session at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja, with a clarion call on the players to push themselves hard to attain stardom.
Omeruo, a member of the silver-winning Golden Eaglets at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria, told the budding youngsters desirous of making the Chile-bound 2015 World Cup team to count themselves very lucky, adding only hard work and prayers can see them through.


"My mission here today is to come and encourage you and from my own experience, it is only hard work that can get you to the top," said the Chelsea defender who is on loan at Middlesbrough in the English Premier League.
"I met a huge crowd more than what I saw here today when I came for the Golden Eaglets screening in 2009; though we, Nigerians always believe you must know somebody to make it, I was able to make the team and got to play through hard work and prayers."
Speaking further, he enjoined the players to guide against acts of indiscipline and listen attentively to the instructions of the technical crew.