Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and his family are in mourning after a tragic road accident claimed the life of his brother’s wife. The devastating incident, involving ten vehicles, has left the Nigerian footballer heartbroken and seeking answers.
Onazi took to Instagram to share details of the accident, which occurred earlier in the week around 4 pm. According to his account, his elder brother and his wife were driving when a truck loaded with fertilizer lost control and crashed into their car. The truck driver, who reportedly lacked a proper driving license, fled the scene immediately after the collision.
The impact of the crash killed Onazi’s sister-in-law instantly, while his brother survived but sustained multiple dislocated joints, necessitating surgery. Onazi, a former Lazio star, expressed his anguish and bewilderment in a poignant Instagram post, calling attention to the dire state of driving safety in Nigeria.
“This is a message to the federal government of Nigeria and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),” Onazi wrote. “On Tuesday 18th at about 4 pm my elder brother @onazithmps was driving with his wife to visit someone. In the traffic, a truck loaded with fertilizer without control crashed into more than 10 cars, killing my brother’s wife instantly. My brother survived with several dislocated joints and has been arranged for surgery, while other people also died.”
Onazi criticized the lack of proper driving regulations and training in Nigeria, highlighting the dangerous conditions on the country’s roads. “Driving in Nigeria, you will know that a lot of people on the road don’t have proper driving knowledge. Lately, trucks and tank drivers have been killing a lot of people because of reckless driving,” he lamented.
The midfielder, who has earned over 50 caps for the Nigerian national team, concluded his heartfelt message with a tribute to his sister-in-law. “I am really sad and confused. Ann Onazi, rest well,” he wrote.
Onazi’s post has garnered an outpouring of support and condolences from fans and fellow footballers, including his former Super Eagles teammates. The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of driving regulations in Nigeria, where innocent lives are frequently at risk due to reckless driving and inadequate licensing.
