How Ogenyi Onazi made Trabzonspor sign Nwakaeme, Mikel Obi

Forgotten Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi played a prominent role in ensuring that his former captain of the team, Mikel Obi and Anthony Nwakeme joined his former Turkish club, Trabzonspor.
Onazi who was part of the team that played in Russia 2020 World Cup but fall out with the coach since then after reported misunderstanding between him and Mikel Obi, has revealed his role in Trabzonspors signing of the compatriots.
Onazi who had since left Trabzonspor for another Turkish side Denizlispor back in January 2020, said the club contacted him and asked for his opinion before they made a move for Nwakaeme.
“It was fantastic and before Tony came, the president told me that he was trying to sign this Nigerian player and he asked me if I know him,” he said.
“I told him Tony is a fantastic player and he should do whatever he can to bring in, so when he finally signed him and Tony scored two goals in his second game, the president came back to me and was so happy,” he said.
After the success of Anthony Nwakaeme at the club, Onazi revealed that the president came calling again for him to help speak to former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi to join the team.
The former Lazio midfielder said he spoke all with Mikel before he finally agreed to sign for the club.
“After the AFCON in Egypt, the president came back again and told me when he wants to bring Mikel and I should help them speak to him.”
“Then I discussed all night with Mikel to come over too and I was injured then, so hopefully when I recover we will play together, but unfortunately we did not spend much time together.” he said.
While Anthony Nwakaeme has proven to be a key signing for Trabzonspor, Mikel terminated his contract with the club back in March.
It would be recalled that Mikel fell out with the club’s president and the Turkish Football Federation for their failure to suspend the league amidst the coronavirus pandemic.