Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, hopes to bounce back stronger from his latest setback after undergoing surgery for an ‘achilles tendon’ injury at an hospital in Istanbul on Monday.
Onazi sustained the injury in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Super Lig clash against Caykur Rizespor on Sunday.
The 26-year-old was stretchered off in the 33rd minute and was replaced by Juraj Kucka.
The former Lazio of Italy midfielder is now expected to spend months on the sidelines and it is doubtful he will play for Trabzonspor again this season.
He is also set to miss out on a place in Nigeria’s squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s a difficult situation for him but he is upbeat on regaining full fitness and coming back stronger from the injury,” a source close to Onazi informed.
“It’s a good thing that the operation went well, now he can concentrate on his rehabilitation.”
Meanwhile, Trabzonspor president, Ahmet Agaoglu paid a surprise visit to Onazi at the hospital on Monday to felicitate with him on his birthday and wish him quick recovery.
“Our President Ahmet Ağaoğlu celebrated the surprise birthday party at the hospital where Ogenyi Onazi was treated. He presented Onazi with a cake and hoped he will get better on time so that he can take his place in the team,” reads a statement on Trabzonspor’s official website.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
