Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has formally apologized to the Nigeria Football Federation following his on-field action that led to a ...
Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has formally apologized to the Nigeria Football Federation following his on-field action that led to a sending off during the 2017 African Nations Cup qualifying game against Chad last month.
The Lazio of Italy player was red carded over an off-ball incident in the Super Eagles 2-0 win over Chad in Kaduna.
Onazi was fined by the NFF over the incident and was hit with a two-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The midfielder has however tendered an apology to the NFF after he was ordered by the body to produce a written apology.
“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," Onazi said in a letter dated June 30 and addressed to the NFF General Secretary.
“I accept the fact that my act was 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."
Onazi in his apology also promised to attend the two Super Eagles game which he has been banned from to show his support for the country and the players.
“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," Onazi continued .
"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.”