EDDY ONAZI: We Are Going To Bring The Nations Cup To Nigeria

Lazio rookie Eddy Onazi in an interview with local media says he was delighted after managing to make his international debut last weekend against Liberia in an African Cup of Nations qualifier held in Calabar.

Onazi, vice - champion at Under 17 level with the Golden Eaglets back in 2009, was an 81st minute substitute for another youngster based in Italy Obiora Nwankwo. 

''It is the grace of God because without the grace of God, one cannot be able to achieve what he's achieved. Making my debut is another step for me in my career.  I am being grateful to God, thanks to the coach and the NFF, and everyone for all the support.

''Before the game, I was even expecting that I was going to come in second half, but it depends on the coach. The most important thing is that the team spirit is very high. I am also very, very happy that the game was played well, we won and we scored more goals,'' Onazi told Brila FM Players' Scorecard on Monday.

Now that Nigeria has qualified for her 17th appearance of Africa's top football competition, Onazi has set a personal target for himself, and also spoke of his expectations of the tourney to be hosted by South Africa.

''My personal target for the Nations Cup is that God gives us the grace and power to be able to bring back the Cup to Nigeria. In a very long time, we did not play in the final of the Nations Cup, last year we did not even qualify. I believe with the grace of God that we are going to do just the best so that we bring the cup to Nigeria.

''We have a lot of players in the team. Definitely, there are still lots of people who can bring in ( their ) contribution to the team. It is left to the coach to invite them and let us have competition in the camp so that we can be able to choose the right people to represent us in the African Nations Cup. Even myself I am not sure of my ticket, I have to come and fight for my own place,'' the midfielder said.