Soccer
Ogenyi Onazi and Brown Ideye for Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has revealed his favourite moment at the World Cup for Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Lazio midfielder enjoyed a remarkable international career with the Super Eagles. He first made his mark on the global stage when he helped Nigeria finish as runners-up at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup before making his senior debut in 2012.
Onazi went on to earn 53 caps for Nigeria and was a key member of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, securing the country’s third continental title and their most recent AFCON triumph till date.
The midfielder also represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups. He played a prominent role at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, featuring in every match until the team’s elimination, while he remained on the bench throughout the group stage at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Soccer Onazi reveals favourite Super Eagles World Cup memory
Nigeria finished second in Group F behind Argentina with four points at the 2014 World Cup, setting up a Round of 16 clash against France, who had finished top of their own group.
Speaking during an interview, Onazi revealed that the knockout encounter against Les Bleus remains his most memorable World Cup match, despite ending in defeat.
“I know a lot of people will be surprised by this answer, but I have participated in two World Cups and, for me, the game against France in the Round of 16 is my best”, Onazi said, via Footy-Africa.
“I was playing very well and dominating that French midfield that had Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi. I felt we could get something from the game.”
Nigeria had given a good account of themselves against the tournament favourites, but the turning point came in the second half when Onazi was stretchered off following a reckless challenge from Matuidi.
The Nigerian midfielder had been influential in the middle of the park against the likes of Pogba and Matuidi, but his injury proved costly for the Super Eagles. France seized control after his departure and went on to score twice, securing a 2-0 victory that ended Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.
“I was really happy with my performance and the team’s performance against the French, whom many thought would overrun us”, the former Lazio midfielder added.
“Unfortunately, I suffered a nasty injury when Matuidi tackled me. I had to leave the game and it was from there that they took the initiative and won the game. It was a bittersweet experience for me, but it remains my best game at the World Cup.”
That defeat to France remains Nigeria’s last World Cup match, as the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the tournament, including the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Eric Chelle’s men will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September, as they look to avoid another major tournament disappointment and book their place at the continental showpiece.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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