Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Eddy Onazi has signed for Italian Serie D side Casertana FC on a free transfer, marking his return to Italy the first time since leaving Lazio in 2016. The 29 year old plays primarily in central midfield and brings considerable international and European experience having worn the Nigeria jersey across multiple major tournaments.

Onazi began his career at Lazio, where he spent four seasons from 2012 to 2016—scoring key goals and making over 100 appearances before departing for Trabzonspor, Denizlispor, Žalgiris and Al‑Adalah in subsequent spells. Casertana expect his presence to guide the team’s push for to Serie C. As their 19th summer signing, Onazi’s leadership credentials and technical quality were cited as major reasons for bringing him aboard.

Editorial
bet9ja.com
Ogenyi Onazi’s move to Casertana is a calculated step rather than a retirement retreat. At 29, his return to Italian football signals intent to mentor younger teammates, lift standards and reclaim the competitive edge that earned him recognition at Lazio and with Nigeria.
bet9ja.com
We see Casertana’s decision to recruit him as strategic. While Serie D may lack glamour, it offers a stage for Onazi to deliver leadership on and off the pitch a valuable asset in a division often dominated by youth and raw ambition.
bet9ja.com
We embrace his return to Italy as a narrative of regeneration. Onazi may no longer feature in e We believe this partnership can flourish. Casertana gains a seasoned midfielder familiar with Italian football’s demands, while Onazi receives the platform to contribute meaningfully, potentially rebuilding his reputation and guiding the club toward promotion.bit.ly
We maintain confidence this union benefits both parties his pedigree elevates Casertana’s aspirations, and the stage allows him to affirm that a seasoned veteran still has much to offer.

Did You Know?

 Onazi scored the decisive goal for Lazio against Napoli in 2015—the strike that secured their return to the Champions League after eight seasons.

 He has over 30 international caps and was part of Nigeria’s squad that lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

 His club career has spanned Europe and beyond, including spells with Trabzonspor in Turkey, Žalgiris in Lithuania, Al‑Adalah in Saudi Arabia, and SønderjyskE in Denmark.

 [Casertana play](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/football-events-and-tournaments/) in Group H of Serie D and finished 7th in the previous season, targeting promotion with Onazi among their key signings.

 Onazi becomes one of only a few former Super Eagles [midfielders](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/local-clubs-and-academies/mubaraq-last-minute-goal-seals-gateway-win-over-first-bank/) to play in Italy’s fourth tier, joining Nnamdi Oduamadi who featured in Serie D with AC Crema in 2021.