CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Independence today announced the signing of former Nigeria international and 32-year-old midfielder Ogenyi Onazi. After representing Nigeria at both the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champion will become the first former FIFA World Cup participant to make an appearance in USL League One.

A veteran midfielder, Onazi amassed 110 appearances for Serie A side SS Lazio from 2012-16 after spending time in their youth system, scoring seven goals and adding eight assists with the first team over that span. He then moved to Turkey and played for Trabzonspor Kulübü in the Turkish Süper Lig, playing in 79 matches from 2016-19 and recording 11 goal contributions.

Onazi most recently played for Italian Serie D club Avezzano Calcio in 2023-24. The Nigerian also spent time in Lithuania with FK Žalgiris, Turkey with Denizlispor, Italy with Casertana FC, Hong Kong with Kitchee SC and Denmark with Sønderjyske.

Onazi made 52 appearances for the Nigeria senior national team from 2012-18. Notably, Onazi made four appearances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, playing in 329 of the Super Eagles' 360 total minutes in Brazil, and was an unused substitute in each of Nigeria's three 2018 FIFA World Cup matches. Onazi helped Nigeria with the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, subsequently earning Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) honors from the country's president.