Birmingham's move for Ogenyi Onazi off after Nigeria midfielder is denied work permit
Wednesday 16 August 2017 19:28, UK
Birmingham's move for Trabzonspor midfielder Ogenyi Onazi is off after the Nigeria international was denied a work permit, according to Sky sources.
Manager Harry Redknapp had hoped to make the 24-year-old his sixth signing of the summer transfer window and revealed last week that a deal was close.
However, Sky Sports News understands the Football Association rejected an application for a work permit for Onazi last week.
Birmingham quickly appealed that decision, but that was also turned down by the Home Office on Wednesday.
Onazi, who joined Trabzonspor from Lazio last summer, has featured 38 times for Nigeria and was part of the side that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also represented his nation at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, helping them reach the last 16 where they were knocked out by France.
Despite featuring in 80 per cent of matches for Nigeria, Onazi's chances of securing a work permit were affected by the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
