English FA denies Onazi work permit to join Birmingham

Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Ogazi has been denied a work permit to sign for Birmingham City by the English Football Association.

According to a BBC report, Onazi had sealed a transfer from Trabzonspor to Birmingham, but the rejection of his application has now hindered the move.

Onazi, interestingly, is a major player of the Nigerian national team and thus officially entitled to a legal transfer.

The report blames Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the last two African Nations Cup as a reason for his work permit denial.

Nigeria’s aggregate world ranking in the past two years was also another factor which was said to have influenced the decision of the English FA.

Nigeria is ranked 38th in the August 2017 ranking, and 54th on aggregate in the past two years.