CHARLOTTE, NC (April 24, 2025) – Charlotte Independence have announced that the team has added Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi to the roster. Onazi, 32, most recently played for Serie D club Avezzano in 2023-24.
A veteran midfielder with loads of experience, Onazi amassed 76 appearances for Serie A side Lazio from 2012-16 after spending time in their youth system, scoring four goals over that time period. He then moved to Turkey and played for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League, playing in 69 matches from 2016-19.
Onazi made 52 appearances for the Nigeria senior national team from 2012-2018. Onazi played in both the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup for his home country. He scored his first international goal in his second international match in a friendly win over Venezuela.
The well-traveled midfielder has spent time playing in Nigeria, Denmark, Lithuania, Bahrain, and Hong Kong in his professional career before now adding the United States to his list.
The 2025 USL League One Season continues on Friday, April 16 for the Jacks as they host One Knoxville SC. 2025 Season Ticket Deposits are available now for just $25 per seat. This year, the club also introduced a new Lil’ Jacks Kids Season Ticket which includes all 17 home games starting at just $100.
Visit CharlotteIndependence.com/SeasonTickets for more information.
About Charlotte Independence:The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and plays all home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CharlotteIndependence.com.
