Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has denied accusations that he was involved in a match-fixing deal.
Henry Chukwuma Okoroji, a self acclaimed Fifa-licensed agent was caught telling an undercover reporterThe Sun that he could fix games and organise certain outcomes during the tournament in Brazil this month.
It was reported that the Lazio player who was present at the meeting reportedly offered to ensure a yellow card for over £40,000 and a penalty for more than £80,000.
Onazi in his reaction took to social media to clarify his position and reiterate his opposition to any such activity.
“My attention has been drawn to a publication relating to issues about match fixing,” the 21-year-old wrote on his Twitter account.
“First, let me state unequivocally that I have no link whatsoever to any individual or group with ties to the corrupt issues of match fixing.
“A certain Mr Okoroji was mentioned in the publication. My previous contact with Mr Okoroji was based on the fact that we are both Nigerians,” he continued.
“As a matter of fact, I am surprised to learn that Mr Okoroji is a FIFA licensed agent.
“On the day of this meeting, he had earlier told me that his associates had an endorsement proposition for my consideration.
“I duly informed my friend and who manages my affairs.
“When I got to the meeting, I found out it was all about fixing matches. I told them a resounding NO and left,” he concluded.
This comes days after the National Crime Agency (NCA) investigated allegations that the Super Eagles’ game with Scotland had been targeted by criminal syndicates with unusually high betting stakes.
Nigeria has also been grappling with revelations from Singaporean match fixer Wilson Raj Perumal who claimed to have influenced the country’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
(via Goal)
