Former Nigerian international and Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has shared a terrifying account of how he narrowly avoided death in a serious road accident in Lagos.
Onazi's Harrowing Escape from Accident
The 31-year-old football legend, a key member of Nigeria's victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad, took to his Instagram page to reveal the incident which occurred on Sunday. Onazi posted a chilling video showing the extensive damage to the front end of his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a clear testament to the severity of the collision.
In his social media post, the former Lazio star directly attributed the cause of the crash to another vehicle occupied by two intoxicated individuals. "The government has to do something about drunk people driving in Lagos. Almost lost my life last night with two drunk boys in the car," Onazi wrote, issuing a stark warning and a plea for intervention.
A Renewed Call for Road Safety Measures
This frightening event has reignited critical conversations about the state of road safety in Lagos and across Nigeria. The accident involving a high-profile sports figure underscores a pervasive national issue where drunk driving and poor road conditions are frequently cited by experts as primary causes of fatal crashes.
Onazi's appeal for government action carries significant weight, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws and more robust public awareness campaigns. The incident is particularly poignant as it comes just a year after the footballer lost his sister-in-law in a separate road accident.
Lagos, Nigeria's bustling economic centre, has recorded a worrying increase in traffic incidents in recent months, with several high-profile crashes resulting in fatalities and severe injuries.
Nigeria's Growing Road Safety Crisis
Onazi's ordeal is not an isolated case. It follows a series of alarming accidents that have captured national attention. Notably, former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a tragic crash in December that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Safety advocates argue that a multi-faceted approach is essential to curb the rising tide of road fatalities. Key recommendations include:
- Increased sobriety checkpoints and random breath testing.
- Stiffer penalties and consistent prosecution for reckless and drunk drivers.
- Massive investment in improving road infrastructure and signage.
- Nationwide educational campaigns targeting drunk driving, seatbelt use, and speeding.
Under Nigerian law, specifically the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) regulations, driving under the influence attracts serious penalties. Exceeding the legal alcohol limit of 80mg/100ml can lead to a fine of ₦20,000, while general "Driving Under Alcohol or Drug Influence" can incur a ₦50,000 fine.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Transport Law 2018 explicitly prohibits smoking, drinking, or eating while driving. Offenders face severe consequences including vehicle impoundment, up to six months of community service, or a prison sentence of up to three months.
The accident involving Ogenyi Onazi serves as a powerful reminder that the dangers on Nigerian roads spare no one, from everyday citizens to celebrated national heroes. His public outcry adds a prominent voice to the growing demand for decisive and immediate action to make the nation's highways safer for all.
