Nigerian international has admitted there have been lucrative offers coming his way to move to China.
Nonetheless, to the 24-year-old central midfielder for Turkish side Trabzonspor money is never his only motivation.
“My brother before now, I have been on the phone on this China move, I have been saying no all through but, they keep increasing the offer, I have considered so many things and MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING, the former Lazio (Italy) man admitted during a question and answer session yesterday with members of Football Africa Arena (FAA).
Onazi, African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion with the Super Eagles in 2013, however, reckons the Chinese topflight is growing quick and any player plying his trade there deserves a place in the national team as long as they can prove their worth.
“For me the Chinese league is growing really fast and strong and a player who plays in China I would invite him as far as he is having playing time and doing well, the only problem is when he is invited and he can’t match up,” he added.
The allure for the Chinese cookie jar has been overwhelming with big stars like Brazil’s Oscar and Mikel Obi (Nigeria) among the latest big names to crossover – abandoning Europe, the once number one preferred destination for footballers.
Not even women footballers have been spared. The reigning African Women Footballer of the Year, Nigerian, Asisat Oshoala recently ditched Arsenal ladies for China’s Dalian Quanjian.
China’s bargaining edge remains lucrative offers, especially for European based players approaching their sun set years, however Mikel and Oscar’s moves have worked to dispel this notion, as they are relatively young.
Onazi also revealed European coaches prefer African players in the central defending role due to their intelligence and physique.
“Well, I think the European coaches like Africans to play more defensive because we are strong naturally and intelligent enough to guide the back four.”
