There were reports that the pair were at loggerheads over the leadership of the team and the alleged quarrel is affecting the chemistry of the players in camp. The former Lazio player admits he has not been at his best in recent games but adds that his performance has not affected his outstanding relationship with the former Chelsea star.
“It’s ridiculous to read that I don’t take orders from him (Mikel),” Onazi told Complete Sports. “He’s an outstanding individual and it hurts that this could be out there without verification.
“I relate well with Mikel, he is our captain and our leader. Thank you for trying to balance your reports.
“We all grew up together in Jos and he’s someone I have looked up to since I started my career. I get along with him and he has been helpful encouraging me after the criticism I received after the England game.”
Speaking on the team’s loss to the Czech Republic, Onazi admitted that the team must improve to stand a good chance in their first match against Croatia. “We are here to do our country proud and to achieve that we must improve on our performances,” he says.
The 25-year-old was left out of the squad that lost 1-0 to the Czech Republic but Onazi could make the starting XI in the World Cup opener against Croatia.
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