Coach Austin Eguavoen hits back at Ogenyi Onazi accusations

Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has hit back at claims that he invited Ogenyi Onazi to appease some people. 

Eguavoen named Onazi as one of the standby players in Nigeria's squad for the 2022 World Cup playoff games against Ghana. 

Although he is not expected to join the players in camp, Onazi's invitation has been criticised by fans as many believe his best days are past him and he has nothing to offer. 

Eguavoen was then forced to defend his selection, saying in an interview with Brila FM that he invited the 29-year-old to satisfy everybody. 

But his explanation caused even more controversy, with fans saying he has no control on squad selection. The former Torpedo Moscow player has now hit back at those claims, saying his words were twisted. 

In an interview on Elegbete TV, Eguavoen rejected the claims that he invited Onazi to pacify everyone, saying he never said that. 

"That is not true," Eguavoen said.

"How can I say that? Somebody who doesn't even have educational background will not even say that; at least I went to school a little bit. 

"Inviting Onazi? Yes, I have reasons. Onazi is on standby, and we are making a whole noise about it.

"Onazi is not even in the 23 yet. He is not even coming to camp, and then you think I will now open my mouth to tell people that I invited or listed Onazi to pacify people. 

"It is not true, I never said anything like that," Eguavoen added.

Onazi has 51 caps for Nigeria, but he has not played for the country since 2018.