Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi faces several months out on the sidelines after fracturing his leg during Nigeria's World Cup defeat to France on Monday.
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Onazi had to be stretchered off in the Super Eagles' 2-0 round-of-16 loss following a challenge from Blaise Matuidi.
The 21-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital in Brasilia, with tests confirming he has a fractured tibia and fibula in his left leg.
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 apologised to Onazi in L'Equipe for the challenge, which only led to a yellow card for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I've not gone in to hurt him; I'm disappointed because I'm not a dirty player.
"I went into the [Nigeria] dressing room afterwards to apologise."
Onazi, who is under contract with Lazio until June 2016, took to Twitter again to thank Matuidi for his apology.
Hi @MatuidiBlaise thanks for your support and concern. Let the game go on. #WorldCup2014
- Onazi Ogenyi Eddy (@OnaziOgenyi) July 1, 2014
However, Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie shared a joke with Onazi over the incident on his Twitter account.
Onazi just found the red card the referee lost yesterday 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ejHwiey2B9
- Peter Odemwingie (@OdemwingieP) July 1, 2014