Super Eagles deputy skipper, Ogenyi Onazi, has denied reported rift with Mikel Obi.
It was alleged that the pair were at loggerheads over leadership tussle, thus affecting the chemistry of the players in camp.
Onazi, however, has refuted those claims as Mikel is somehow he adores.
” It is ridiculous to read that I don’t take orders from him (Mikel),” Onazi told only Complete Sports.
“He’s an outstanding individual and it hurts that this could be out there without verification.
“I relate well with Mikel, he is our captain and our leader. Thank you for trying to balance your reports.
“We all grew up together in Jos and he’s someone I have looked up to since I started my career. I get along with him and he has been helpful encouraging me after the criticism I received after the England game.”
On the team’s defeat against the Czech Republic, the former Lazio midfielder admitted that they must improve to stand a good chance against Croatia.
“We are here to do our country proud and to achieve that we must improve on our performances,” he added.
Onazi was left out of Nigeria’s squad that lost 1-0 to the Czech Republic and it remains to be seen if he will be restored to the starting line-up for the team’s Russia 2018 World Cup opener against Croatia.
