Onazi accepts Matuidi apology

Cape Town - Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has accepted an apology from France midfielder Blaise Matuidi for the horror tackle in Monday’s Round of 16 World Cup match.

The tackle in question occurred during the second half of the match and Matuidi received only a yellow card for his challenge on Onazi.

Matuidi received no sanction from FIFA for the lunging studs up challenge which Diego Maradona described as worse than the Suarez bite.

Onazi, who plays for Italian Seria A side Lazio, who was stretchered off after the shocking challenge.

After being sent to hospital, it was revealed that the Nigerian had suffered a double fracture on his leg.

He snapped this pic of his leg in its cast.

Thanks to every one for your prayers, will be fine by his grace God bless nigeria. pic.twitter.com/8y2QNc9DM2

— Onazi Ogenyi Eddy (@OnaziOgenyi) June 30, 2014

Matuidi, a stand out performer for France at the Soccer World Cup, apologised to Onazi both in public and in private for the challenge.

“I'm sorry, I didn’t go in to hurt him and I’m disappointed, as I’m not a bad player. I apologise. I went into the (Nigeria) dressing room afterwards to apologise," the French midfielder said.

The 21-year-old Super Eagle took to Twitter to accept the apology.

Hi @MatuidiBlaise thanks for your support and concern. Let the game go on. #WorldCup2014 

— Onazi Ogenyi Eddy (@OnaziOgenyi) July 1, 2014

He also thanked his fans for the support after the incident.

Thanks to you guys, my friends and fans for your love, support and encouragement. Hoping to do much better next time. #NaijaSuperFans

— Onazi Ogenyi Eddy (@OnaziOgenyi) July 1, 2014

The Nigeria star is expected to be out of soccer for a lengthy period of time as he has a fractured tibia and fibula in his left leg.