You can be playing in Kazakhstan and still be an important national team player – Onazi

Ogenyi Onazi is looking forward to wearing the Super Eagles shirt again four years since the last one.

The 29-year-old midfielder who plays in second division in Saudi Club with Al-Adalah has been listed on the Super Eagles standby list for the World Cup play-off games against Ghana.

And the former Lazio man is looking forward to contributing his part if eventually call up into the final team.

Ogenyi while speaking exclusively to Omasports touched on various issues including those questioning his inclusion in the list.

The 2013 Africa Cup Nations winner believes a player can be playing in any league in the world and still be important player for the national team.

“It’s not a surprise for me because I’m still playing and I’m ready to play anytime and when it comes to the national team, I’m always at the service of the nation – to always give my best for the country.

“Yes it’s been a while I was in the Eagles, but when we talk about this very game – home and away that will take us to the World Cup [it is very important]. When I got a call from the coach, he told me how important it is – and I also know how important it is. We need experience to be able to tackle this game. It’s not a game of saying where do you play or where do you come from or whatever you’re doing.

“The likes of [Odion] Ighalo, the likes of Ahmed Musa and the rest who are in the list, we need to put our heads together. This is a national issue, not an individual issue. We are not playing a singles sport, we need to bring heads together to make the right things at the right time.

“Personally, I don’t listen to what they write online. I’m still on the reserve list, not yet on the main list so we can’t tell what’s going to happen. Let’s keep it that way and then we’ll see what’s going to happen.

“As far as I’m concerned, football in this present situation now – it doesn’t matter if you’re playing in Manchester United or you’re playing in Kazakhstan or wherever. You’re not taking your club to go and play in the national team, you’re taking your individual skill and ability to join with your fellow players and make a team.

“During my time at the national team, I never had a problem with anybody. I’ve always been a person in the middle – between the young and the old – to make them integrate into the team. When I’m on the pitch, I give my all until I’m almost dead.”