Nigeria’s Onazi Suffers Serious Injury as Matuidi Issues Apology
Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has been ruled out of action for at least two months after suffering a double fracture to his tibia and fibula during Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to France in the 2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16.
The 21-year-old Lazio player sustained the injury following a controversial challenge from France’s Blaise Matuidi midway through the second half of Monday’s match in Brasília. Matuidi’s tackle, which appeared reckless and left Onazi in visible agony, earned only a yellow card from referee Carlos Velasco Carballo – a decision that has drawn criticism from players and pundits alike.
Onazi was stretchered off the pitch and later seen leaving the stadium with his foot in a cast. The injury, confirmed as a double fracture, will keep the Super Eagles star out of action until at least September, dealing a blow to both his club and the Nigerian national team.
In the aftermath, Matuidi, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, took to social media to apologise for the challenge. “I went to the locker room to apologize to Ogenyi Onazi after the match. I should have handled it differently,” Matuidi wrote. “I’m going there to play the ball. I’m not going to hurt him. I’m disappointed because I’m not a bad player. I hope he recovers very quickly.”
Despite the injury, Onazi responded with grace. In a tweet addressed to Matuidi, he wrote: “Hi @MatuidiBlaise thanks for your support and concern. Let the game go on. #WorldCup2014”
The exchange between the two players has been widely praised for its sportsmanship, although questions remain over the level of protection afforded to players in high-stakes international matches. Some football commentators and former players have expressed concern that incidents like this, when not adequately sanctioned, set a dangerous precedent.
FIFA has yet to comment on whether any retrospective action will be taken against Matuidi.
For Nigeria, the injury capped a frustrating exit from the tournament. The Super Eagles had impressed during the group stage and were aiming to reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. France, meanwhile, progressed to face Germany in the next round.
Despite the setback, Onazi’s composure and positive response have won him widespread admiration, and fans of both Nigeria and Lazio will be eagerly awaiting his return to full fitness.
