Ogenyi Onazi refutes match-fixing allegations

Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has refuted claims that he is involved in fixing matches at this summer's World Cup.

Onazi was present at a meeting in which agent Henry Chukwuma Okoroji was caught on camera telling an undercover reporter that he could arrange a yellow card during a World Cup game for more than £41,000 and a penalty for £81,000.

Onazi was allegedly invited to the meeting in an attempt to enhance the agent's credibility, but the 21-year-old has denied that he is involved in any form of match-fixing.

"My attention has been drawn to a publication relating to issues about match fixing," he wrote on his official Twitter account. "First, let me state unequivocally that I have no link whatsoever to any individual or group with ties to the corrupt issues of match fixing.

"A certain Mr Okoroji was mentioned in the publication. My previous contact with Mr Okoroji was based on the fact that we are both Nigerians. As a matter of fact, I am surprised to learn that Mr Okoroji is a FIFA licensed agent.

"On the day of this meeting, he had earlier told me that his associates had an endorsement proposition for my consideration. I duly informed my friend and who manages my affairs. When I got to the meeting, I found out it was all about fixing matches. I told them a resounding NO and left."

Nigeria's recent friendly international against Scotland was the subject of a match-fixing investigation by the National Crime Agency.