Mar 8, 2013 12:06:00 AM

Ogenyi Onazi celebrated scoring his first European goal as he helped Lazio to a 2-0 win over German side, VFB Stuttgart at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Germany on Thursday.

The diminutive midfielder popped up in the 56th minute to add Lazio’s second after Ederson had opened scoring for the away side on 21 minutes.

His goal was a coolly taken one as he deftly lifted the ball over an onrushing Sven Ulreich, who kept goal for Stuttgart. The Nigerian was rated as the man of the match as he won the most tackles and successfully completed four dribbles - the highest in the match.

He also had 85% pass accuracy from 70 touches of the ball and won 50% of his aerial duels. Onazi is one of the 15 Europe-based players that have been called up for the World Cup qualifier against Kenya. Onazi has played eight times in Europe this season for Lazio.

In fairness to Stuttgart, they appeared to be in very little danger of conceding when Onazipicked up possession in midfield. However, the 20-year-old Nigerian jinked his way past two would-be tacklers before coolly lifting the ball past Ulreich and into the back of the net.

Fans who witnessed the match commented, " Ogenyi Onazi's goal yesterday reminded me of the mazy runs by Ronaldo(Brazil),Messi & Maradona."

Onazi, a mature player full of surprises, is definitely one to keep our eyes on.