While the entertaining footwork of wingers and the clinical finishes of strikers often dominate the headlines and TV ads, the true heartbeat of a football team is the engine room – the midfield.
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of their most resilient midfield engines following the retirement of Mikel Obi is Ogenyi Onazi.
His career is not just about goals and success but a strong example of never giving up, even after a terrible leg injury that could have ended his career.
A key part of this journey is the financial stability he has built, which naturally leads SportsBuddy to explore Ogenyi Onazi net worth. His wealth is a reflection of a long career at the top, smart financial planning, and an unbreakable will to succeed against the odds.
This article will trace the path of this Nigerian midfield dynamo, from the streets of Kano to the grounds of Serie A, and how his earnings and investments have solidified his standing.
Early Life, Background and Education
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Ogenyi Eddy Onazi |
| Date of Birth | 25 December 1992 |
| Age | 32 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Jos, Nigeria |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) to 1.75 m |
| Position | Midfielder (Defensive Midfield) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Sandra Ogunsuyi |
| Children | 2 (A Son and Daughter) |
Ogenyi Onazi was born on December 25, 1992, in Kano to a family of eight – six kids, a father and mother.
As the youngest of six siblings, Onazi grew up in a modest household where football was more than just a game, it was a passion and a potential path out of economic hardship.
His father, Peter Onazi, was a civil servant and amateur footballer. He was also Ogenyi Onazi’s first coach, instilling a deep sense of discipline in him.
Sadly, tragedy struck early when Onazi lost his father to illness at just 12 years old. This painful loss could have stopped him, but instead, it made him stronger.
With the support of his mother and older brothers, he chased his football dream with deep focus and determination.
He attended primary school and Government Day Secondary School in Kano, but his growing football talent soon took priority over academics. He didn’t go to university, choosing instead to join Bayelsa United academy in southern Nigeria at age 15.
This decision opened the door for his discovery by European scouts and Kickstarted his entire career. The strength he built during those early years became the solid ground on which Ogenyi Onazi net worth were built.
Professional Career
| Club (Years) | Apps (Goals) | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Lazio (2012–2016) | 76 (4) | Italian Cup Winner (2012–13); Breakthrough in European top-flight football. |
| Trabzonspor (2016–2019) | 69 (7) | Turkish Cup Winner (2019–20 season, partially); Key midfielder in the Süper Lig. |
| Denizlispor (2 spells) (2020; 2021) | 20 (0) | Provided experience in the Turkish top and second divisions. |
| SønderjyskE (2020–2021) | 2 (0) | Brief stint in the Danish Superliga. |
| FK Žalgiris (2021) | 19 (2) | Lithuanian Champion (2021); Won a domestic league title. |
| Al-Adalah, Casertana, East Riffa (2022–2023) | 26 (0) | Played across Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Bahrain. |
| Kitchee (2023) | 3 (0) | Short-term role in the Hong Kong Premier League. |
| Avezzano (2023–2024) | 14 (0) | Played in the Italian Serie D. |
| Charlotte Independence (2025) | 0 (0) | First former FIFA World Cup participant to join USL League One. |
| Acireale (2025–) | 1 (0) | Current Club (as of late 2025); Playing in Italian Serie D. |
| International (Nigeria) | 52 Caps (1 Gl) | Africa Cup of Nations Winner (2013)
FIFA U-17 World Cup Runner-up (2009) FIFA World Cup Participant (2014, 2018) |
S.S. Lazio
Ogenyi Onazi’s professional journey began after his impressive performance at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which earned him a move to Italian giants S.S. Lazio in 2011.
Promoted to the first team in 2012, he quickly established himself as a physical and hard-working defensive midfielder, known for his energy, composure, and work ethic.
Over the following seasons, he became one of the most reliable midfielders in Serie A, making more than 100 total appearances for Lazio and helping the club lift the Coppa Italia in the 2012–13 season.
His performance peaked during the 2013–14 campaign, where he featured in 29 Serie A matches and represented Lazio in European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Trabzonspor
In 2016, Onazi made a major career move, signing for Turkish side Trabzonspor for a transfer fee reported between €3.5 million and €5 million. The decision, as he later explained, came from a desire to clear his head and be happy playing football again.
His first seasons in Turkey were highly productive as he quickly became a regular starter, netting seven goals and providing four assists across 79 appearances.
Unfortunately, a severe injury sidelined him for months, derailing his momentum. Although he made a full recovery, breaking back into the first team proved difficult.
In January 2020, both parties agreed to a mutual contract termination, closing a successful but bittersweet chapter of his career.
SønderjyskE (2020–2021)
In October 2020, Onazi joined Danish club SønderjyskE on a free transfer. However, his stay was short, featuring in only two matches before leaving three months later.
FK Žalgiris (2021)
Next came a fresh start with Lithuanian champions FK Žalgiris in February 2021.
Onazi played 19 league matches, scored two goals, and even found the net during Champions League qualifiers.
He helped the team win the 2021 Lithuanian title before departing that August. This period showed his resilience and hunger while also helping boost Ogenyi Onazi net worth.
From 2022 onward, Onazi became a true football traveler. He featured for several clubs — including Al-Adalah in Saudi Arabia, Casertana in Italy, East Riffa in Bahrain, Kitchee SC in Hong Kong, and Charlotte Independence in the U.S.
SSD Città di Acireale
As of 2025, Onazi plays for SSD Città di Acireale 1946 in Italy’s Serie D. Now in the veteran stage of his career, he continues to inspire younger players with his professionalism and leadership.
His story, from the Coppa Italia triumph to smaller clubs around the world, proves that consistency and faith can keep any dream alive. Every contract, big or small, has contributed to Ogenyi Onazi net worth.
International Career (Super Eagles)
Onazi’s contribution to the Nigerian national team has been nothing short of wonderful.
Since making his senior debut in 2012, he has earned 57 caps, becoming one of the Super Eagles’ most dependable midfielders.
He played a vital role in Nigeria’s triumphant 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, starting every match and forming a formidable partnership with John Obi Mikel.
His performances helped Nigeria dominate the midfield throughout the tournament, culminating in their third AFCON title.
Onazi was also part of the squad that reached the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where his tireless running and defensive awareness earned praise from fans.
He later scored a thunderous long-range goal during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, further etching his name into Nigerian football history. Although his international appearances have slowed in recent years, the respect and admiration he commands from fans remain strong.
Ogenyi Onazi Net Worth
As of 2025, Ogenyi Onazi net worth is estimated at €6.4 million. This is the result of a diversified income strategy that leverages his football earnings into smart investments.
With €6.4 million, Onazi ranks 13th on our list of the richest footballers in Nigeria with the likes of Osimhen, Lookman and Obi.
Salary and Contracts
The foundation of Ogenyi Onazi net worth is, without a doubt, his club salaries. During his peak years at Lazio, he earned an estimated €2.5 million annually.
Also at Samsunspor, he earned a respectable €1.2 million per year, and his previous contracts in Turkey and Italy have consistently provided high-six-figure and low-seven-figure annual incomes.
Endorsement Deals
Beyond his football contracts, endorsements have provided a significant boost. He has been a long-time Puma ambassador, a partnership that likely brings in several hundred thousand dollars annually.
He has also leveraged his fame in Nigeria for partnerships with major brands like Pepsi and MTN. These deals capitalize on his image as a respected national figure, directly contributing to the overall Ogenyi Onazi net worth.
Business Ventures
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his financial story is his business acumen. Onazi has proactively invested his earnings. He is the owner of Onazi Motors, a luxury car dealership in Lagos, representing a significant and savvy investment in a growing market.
His real estate portfolio includes a valuable apartment in Rome, acquired during his Lazio days, and properties in his hometown of Kano. This diversified portfolio ensures that Ogenyi Onazi net worth is not solely dependent on his playing career, providing financial security for his future.
Further diversifying his income streams, Onazi launched the Ogenyi Onazi Football Scouting Clinic in 2023. This venture taps directly into his expertise and legacy in the game, acting as a pipeline for young Nigerian talent.
The academy identifies and nurtures promising footballers, with a key revenue stream coming from signing fees. When one of their prospects is successfully placed with a professional club, the clinic earns a negotiated fee, turning the development of future stars into a sustainable business that contributes to the ongoing growth of Ogenyi Onazi net worth.
Personal Life
Away from the public eye, Ogenyi Onazi is a private and family-oriented man. He is married to his long-time girlfriend, Sandra Ogunsuyi.
The couple had been together for four years before finally tying the knot in an elaborate wedding in 2016.
Before then, the couple had previously first formalized their union with a private ceremony at the Ikoyi Registry in Lagos on December 29, 2015.
The Couple union is blessed with two beautiful kids (a son and daughter).
Despite his wealth, he shuns a flashy lifestyle, focusing instead on providing a stable and loving environment for his family. This sense of responsibility extends to his community through his Ogenyi Onazi Foundation, which funds scholarships and youth development programs in Nigeria.
