Nigeria-born Lazio forward Ogenyi Onazi has said he will shine against Tottenham in a Europa League tie to prove to they were wrong to let him go.
The former Nigeria U20 star told MTNFootball.com that he hopes to be at his best against Spurs so much so they would regret they did not give him a contract even after he had signed a pre-contract agreement.
“We reached a pre-contract agreement to play for Tottenham at a point, but I don’t know what went wrong that the move did not work, that is in the past now as I am here at Lazio and happy,” he revealed.
“I am looking forward to the game against Tottenham so I could show them what they are missing for not having me.”
The enterprising forward also spoke about his targets with his Italian Serie A side, his quest to be capped by the Super Eagles, among other things.
Onazi: It has been wonderful, a great opportunity God has given to me to play on a top platform. Playing against teams outside Italy for the first time has been a great chance to again show what I’m capable.
How easy has it been playing against non-Italian teams now?
It has not been easy because we don’t really know about these teams either individually or as a team, but so far we have been equal to the challenge.
Lazio are drawn with Tottenham Hotspur, Panathinaikos and NK Maribor, what could you say about this group?
We do not expect any easy games here because we all have the same ambition and that is to make it to the next stage of the competition.
We will take the games as they come with all the seriousness they deserve. We will do our best on the pitch and pray to God to crown our efforts with victories in our games. We want to finish top of the group at the end of the day.
You does it feel now featuring in the for Lazio first team both in the league as well as in the Europa League?
It’s a great feeling. It has always been my dream to play regularly for the Lazio main team since I joined the team and this dream has now come true for me. I will keep doing well to keep my place in the team.
How has the experience been playing alongside top stars the likes of Miroslav Klose?
It is a great opportunity for a young player like me to be playing with big players who a few months ago I could only watch on TV. To play with Mauri, Klose, Hananes and Zarate has been wonderful. I trained with them last season, but it is different playing matches with them.
What have you gained in such great company?
I have gained a lot from them. They advise me as a young player and encourage me. What I have learnt from them at training and matches have contributed to my improvement as a player, and I am still tapping from their various experiences.
What are the targets you have set for yourself at Lazio this season?
To continue as a regular first-team player. I also want to win the Scudetto, the cup and Europa League. I also want to score goals for the team. To win the derby against Roma is very much on my mind as well.
At a point you almost joined Tottenham Hotspur and now you will face them in the Europa League. What are you looking forward to?
That was true, we reached a pre-contract agreement to play for Tottenham at a point, but I don’t know what went wrong that the move did not work, that is in the past now as I am here at Lazio and happy. I am looking forward to the game against Tottenham so I could show them what they are missing for not having me.
Which has been your best game for Lazio so far?
All the games I have played this season are good and I did well, but I will pick the Europa League game against Mura 05 in Italy as my best for now. I did very well in the game, in fact I did everything right in that match. I had some good shots on target, I gave good passes, covered well for the defenders and my tackles were timely.
You have played for the Nigeria U17s and U20s. Are you ready for the Super Eagles?
Yes of course, my days at the junior level were great. I will be glad to play for Super Eagles. That is the biggest any player could dream and I am sure it won’t be long in coming so far I keep doing well with Lazio.
[Culled from MTNFootball.com]
