Super Eagles midfielder Eddy Ogenyi Onazi revealed that the General Overseer of Synagogue Church of all Nations, Prophet TB Joshua played a crucial role in his successful football career.
Onazi made this known while speaking with Brila FM on their live Instagram interview session a few days ago.
The former Lazio midfielder said it was the man of God who helped him and his friend Sani Emmanuel secured their place in the Nigeria 2009 FIFA World Cup U-17 squad after they were initially dropped from the squad.
The 27-year-old midfielder said TB Joshua sponsored him and Sani Emmanuel’s trip to Sweden which was a career-saving moment for him.
“It was not an easy one, I was actually dropped from the U-17 team because they wanted to go for a tournament in Dubai before the world cup final preparations.” He said.
“So TB Joshua sponsored me and my friend for a trip to Sweden and we were playing there and then they sacked the coach”
“The new coach (John Obuh) later invited us to come and play, but unfortunately we lost in the World cup final to Switzerland.”
“All thanks to prophet TB Joshua and everyone who helped me along the way.” He said.
After his exploit with the U-17 team, Onazi and San Emmanuel who finished as the player of the tournament went to Europe in search of a contract and had a trial with Chelsea, Tottenham, St Gallen before they finally signed for SS Lazio of Italy.
While Sani Emmanuel failed to live up to expectations, Onazi became part of the formidable Lazio team that enjoyed some successful spell in the Italian Serie A.
His form led to an invitation into the Super Eagles, when he formed a very good partnership with his idol John Mikel Obi and became indispensable in the for some years.
Onazi has gone to make 51 appearances for Nigeria at the senior level, played at two FIFA senior world cup, and also won the 2013 African cup of Nations in South Africa.
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