Former Nigeria Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi revealed the reason why he did not join Chelsea as expected after his good display during the 2009 U-17 World Cup.

Nigeria was the host country of the tournament that year but lose to Switzerland in final.

Many players including Ogenyi Onazi showcased their talents in a sumptuous way all along the competition.

The now-31-year old midfielder was expected to join Chelsea after the tournament but the deal never sent over the trial phasis he made with theBlues in London.

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Speaking to Sports Arena, Onazi opened up on why the deal did not happen : “When I was young, I almost signed for Chelsea, but we were underage and couldn’t play”, he said.

“We had to wait until we were 18. There was a lot of process.

“That is why my manager decided that we would go to Italy at that time. So I could start in Lazio’s second team and then, when I developed, I could start in the first team.”

Ogenyi Onazi spent four years at Lazio (2012-2016) but Chelsea stopped their pursuit of him.