Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has opened up about why he is currently without a club after terminating his contract with Avezzano.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner has been somewhat of a journeyman since leaving Trabzonspor in 2019, having played for eight different clubs in the last five years. His most recent stint was with Avezzano in Italy’s Serie D, but after less than a year, he decided to end his contract and is now a free agent.
In an interview with Turkish publication Fanatik, Onazi revealed the circumstances behind his departure. He explained that the club’s president, Andrea Pecorelli, had been arrested due to his involvement in a fraud and self-laundering scandal. Onazi also shared that the club had failed to pay players’ salaries, leaving him owed eight months’ wages, which ultimately led to his decision to terminate the contract.
“I am still actively playing football,” the 32-year-old former Lazio player said. “I terminated my contract in Italy because the club’s president was allegedly involved in fraud, and they haven’t paid my salary for eight months.”
Despite this setback, Onazi is not considering retirement and is actively searching for a new club. Last October, he also made it clear that he has not retired from international duty and remains available for selection to the Super Eagles.
