Background
Ogenyi Eddy Onazi, a Nigerian professional footballer, has carved a remarkable path in the world of football. Born on 25th December 1992, he has established himself as a central midfielder, showcasing his skills and talent throughout his career. From humble beginnings in the streets of Jos, Nigeria, Onazi’s journey has taken him to numerous clubs, both domestic and international, where he has left an indelible mark on the sport.
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Early Life
Onazi’s passion for football was evident from a young age. At just 16 years old, he proudly represented his country in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, contributing to Nigeria’s impressive runner-up finish. His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself attracting attention from football academies in the city of Jos. It was during this time that Onazi’s raw talent and dedication began to shine.
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Football Career
In pursuit of his dreams, Onazi made a significant move to Lagos, where he joined the team “My People”. This opportunity allowed him to further develop his footballing abilities, honing his skills and showcasing his potential. In 2011, his talents led him to the renowned Italian club, Lazio, where he embarked on a new chapter in his football career.
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During the 2011-2012 season, Onazi’s hard work and perseverance paid off when he was promoted to the Lazio first team. Making his Serie A debut as a substitute in the penultimate match of the season, he left an impression by helping his team secure a 2-0 victory over Atalanta. Onazi continued to make strides, earning more playing time under coach Vladimir Petković in the subsequent 2012-2013 season.
In a defensive midfielder role alongside Cristian Ledesma, Onazi showcased his versatility and tactical understanding of the game. He notably started in a UEFA Europa League match against Tottenham Hotspur, which ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw. On 7th March 2013, he celebrated a personal milestone by scoring his first goal for Lazio against Stuttgart in the last sixteen of the Europa League. He further solidified his impact by scoring his first Serie A goal in a 3-1 win over Inter Milan on 8th May 2013.
Onazi’s talent and contributions on the field did not go unnoticed, and he secured a two-year contract extension with Lazio in September 2014. His remarkable performance continued, with his 88th-minute goal against Napoli on 31st May 2015, helping Lazio secures the final Champions League place for the club.
Throughout his career, Onazi has experienced transfers to various clubs, including Trabzonspor, Denizlispor, SønderjyskE, Žalgiris, and Al-Adalah. His dedication to the sport has seen him represent his clubs with passion and professionalism, leaving a lasting impact on each team he has played for. On 29th August 2022, after six years of playing abroad, Onazi returned to Italy, joining Serie D side Casertana.
Family
Beyond his successful football career, Onazi finds happiness and support in his personal life. At the age of 28, he is happily married to Sandra Ogunsuyi. The couple exchanged vows on Saturday, 18th June 2016, in Lagos, Nigeria. Their journey to marital bliss began with a traditional wedding ceremony in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State. Surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated their love at Constantial Hotel, creating beautiful memories.
Onazi and Sandra are proud parents
to their daughter, Zara Agbenu. The arrival of their daughter brought immeasurable joy, with Onazi announcing the news on social media in 2017. The family cherishes their time together, building a loving and nurturing environment for their child.
Net Worth
Having played for prestigious clubs such as Lazio, Trabzonspor, and SønderjyskE, it comes as no surprise that Onazi has accumulated substantial wealth. His lucrative contracts and endorsement deals have contributed to his reported net worth of $6,448,000. Alongside his salary from playing football, Onazi also enjoys income from being a brand ambassador for Nike, further solidifying his financial success.
Properties
Ogenyi Onazi’s success has allowed him to invest in valuable assets, including a multi-million naira residence in Lekki, Lagos. This impressive property stands as a testament to his accomplishments and serves as a symbol of his hard work and determination. Acquiring this mansion as a celebration of his fourth wedding anniversary showcases his appreciation for his family and the milestones they have achieved together.