Ogenyi Onazi bio: hometown, family background, wife, salary, house
Ogenyi Onazi is one of the most popular Nigerian players. He is a top talent that has played high-level soccer for Italy Serie A team - Lazio. He has also been helpful to his home country in some international encounters.
Source: Getty Images
His biography is an inspiration to many people in Nigeria and Africa at large. Coming from humble family background, Ogenyi defied the odds to raise himself to international level. So, who is Ogenyi Onazi?
Profile summary
- Full name: Ogenyi Eddy Onazi
- Date of birth: December 25th, 1992
- Age: 28 years (as of 2021)
- Zodiac sign: Capricorn
- Place of birth: Jos, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Ethnicity: Black
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: Soccer player
- Current club: SønderjyskE
- Height: 1.72 m (5 feet 8 inches)
- Marital status: Married
Ogenyi Onazi biography
The player was born on December 25th, 1992, in Jos, Nigeria. His is the son of Wilson Onazi and a brother to Uche and Agbo. Not much information about Ogenyi Onazi family background is known to the public.
Nigerian star Ogenyi Onazi is from which state?
Ogenyi Onazi hometown is Jos. He was born and raised there. Jos is a city located in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, and it is the administrative capital of Plateau State. The state is an important national administrative, commercial, and tourist centre.
Career profile of Ogenyi Onazi
Ogenyi began playing soccer in the streets of Jos in 1998. As a result of his football skills, he attracted the attention of various soccer scouts and got the opportunity to play in some academies.
He then moved to Lagos City to play for My People - the team was founded by a Nigerian Pastor and aimed at promoting talented players. In his career, the Nigerian player has made appearances for the Italian Series A side Lazio and earned numerous calls to Nigeria's national team.
National team career
Onazi began representing Nigeria when he was as young as sixteen years old. He was part of the team representing Nigeria at the 2009 Federation Internationale de Football Association U-17 World Cup. His country finished runners-up.
Source: Instagram
He made his national team debut in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Liberia. Nigeria played the match against Liberia on October 13th, 2012. His impressive performance made the then-coach Stephen Keshi call him up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
His first and only goal for his national side was in a friendly match against Venezuela in Florida in November 2012. Nigerian won the game by three goals to one.
Club career
Lazio's scout noticed the fantastic talent in Onazi in 2011. He joined the team in 2011, alongside his teammate, Sani Emmanuel.
He began playing for the Italian side's U-19 team until mid-2012. Because of his unique football skills, Lazio promoted him to its first team. He made his debut in Serie A on July 1st, 2012, at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in Bergamo. He came in as a substitute, replacing Senad Lulic against Atalanta in a 2-0 victory.
He extended his contract in 2014 and played for the Italian side for two more years. During his stint at Lazio, the club received various transfer enquiries in the summer transfer window by Premier League clubs, among them Everton, Southampton and Sunderland. The player also attracted interest from German, French, Spanish and Russian clubs.
Source: Instagram
In 2016, the Nigerian star moved to Trabzonspor with the release clause of €3.50million. He played for the Turkish club for five seasons and made over sixty appearances. He is currently playing in the Danish Superliga for SønderjyskE on a one year contract with an extension option.
Honours and achievements
In his illustrious career so far, the Nigerian player has achieved a lot. Some of these achievements include:
- He was part of Nigeria's national team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation in South Africa.
- He was part of the national team that emerged as runner up in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- He enjoys national honours of MON - Member of the Order of the Niger.
- He won the Coppa Italia with Lazio for the 2012/13 season.
Unpaid salaries at Lazio
The Nigeria international was involved in a legal battle with his former side Lazio over unpaid salaries. He confirmed that he had dragged the team to FIFA’s disciplinary committee over his two months' unpaid salaries.
He took the step following Lazio's refusal to attend to the letter his lawyers sent to them. FIFA came to his rescue and ordered his former side to settle the dues.
What is Ogenyi Onazi net worth 2020?
Having played international football for clubs such as Lazio, Trabzonspor, and now SønderjyskE, the Nigerian star must have made substantial money out of his contracts.
He is reportedly worth $6,448,000. Ogenyi Onazi salary is not the only source of wealth. He has also made money from endorsement deals. He maintains a good income as a brand ambassador for Nike.
Who is Ogenyi Onazi wife?
The 28-year-old Nigerian is a happily married man. He is married to Sandra Ogunsuyi. The couple got married on Saturday, June 18th, 2016, in Lagos.
Source: Instagram
The couple shares a daughter by the name Zara Agbenu. The news of her birth was announced by the midfielder on social media in 2017, moments after her arrival.
Onazi Ogenyi wedding
Onazi's journey to marital bliss started in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State, where there was a traditional wedding ceremony. The colourful and cultural event kicked off from the bride's home in the city's heart, and they entertained their guests at Constantial Hotel.
A few days later, it was time for the solemnization of the wedding. They moved to Lagos, and the venue of choice was Ruby Gardens, Lekki. Other than their family members, famous football stars Odion Ighalo, Ideye Brown, Sunday Mba, Tony Ugah and Kenneth Omeruo attended the wedding ceremony.
Ogenyi Onazi house
The Nigeria international owns a multi-million naira residence in Lekki, Lagos. He acquired the mansion in celebration of his fourth wedding anniversary.
The house indicates that his taste for luxury is on another level. He joined Manchester United’s striker Odion Ighalo in the hallowed list of Nigerian footballers, past and present, who own mansions in the comfy part of south-west Nigeria.
Social media presence
The football star enjoys a massive social media presence. He enjoys an incredible following on various media platforms.
- Instagram page: @onaziogenyi
- Twitter account: @OnaziOgenyi
Ogenyi Onazi is one of the most respected players in Nigeria. He has played for the Italian giant Lazio and made a significant contribution to the Super Eagles' success. As a result, he has won trophies and attracted numerous fans within and outside Nigeria.
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