Ogenyi Onazi has thrown his weight behind former Super Eagles striker Simy Nwankwo’s summer transfer to Saudi First Division club Al Orobah, backing the towering hitman to succeed as he did in Italy, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwankwo parted ways with Italian Serie C outfit Salernitana after his contract expired at the end of last season, bringing an end to a four-year spell with the club and a nine-year journey in Italian football.
Recall, Footynaija.com reported that the 33-year-old striker was a free agent with just days left in the European transfer window. Having failed to sort his future in Europe before the transfer window slammed shut, Nwankwo has now settled for a move to Saudi’s second-tier league.
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Reacting to the move, Onazi, who shared the pitch with Nwankwo for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup, expressed delight for his former teammate. Onazi also shed some light on why he believes the move is a good one for Nwankwo.
What Ogenyi Onazi said about the move
“I am happy he is getting a chance to play once again after leaving Italy. Heading to Saudi for someone like him is not a bad move,” said Onazi in an interview with Footy-Africa.
“I have a lot in common with him because we both played in Italy, with the national team, and now he is in Saudi Arabia. Don’t forget, I also played in Saudi Arabia in 2022 with Al-Adalah, so I can say a lot about him.
“Many people might think it is just Saudi Arabia, but I must tell you that the level is good apart from the money. A lot of players are going to both the Saudi first and second leagues, and it has become more competitive.
“Simy scores goals everywhere he goes, so I am sure it will not be any different at his new club. Maybe if he gets tons of goals for them, he will be able to make a comeback to Europe if he so wishes.”
Nwankwo has already linked up with his new teammates and will now be focused on helping Al Orobah, who recently joined the first division, secure a second straight promotion to the Saudi Pro League.
