Ogenyi Onazi has refuted reports that he fell out with his former national team captain John Mikel Obi before he left the team.

Reports from several media outfits claimed the former Lazio man and Mikel had heated arguments during preparation for the 2018 world cup in Russia.

The reports went further that both players stop speaking to one another and their relationship was further fractured when they arrived in Russia.

Onazi however told www.brila.net he never had any problem with his former Captain, he maintained that all they have for one another is mutual respect.

“First of all, I can’t have a misunderstanding with John Obi Mikel, because he’s like a mentor to me and it was a privilege for me to play with him in the national team.”

“He’s the person who gave us the confidence that we can be who we want to be in Jos.” He told www.Naijaodds.com

Onazi added that the reports started just a few weeks before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and he claimed it was a plot by some people to distract the team at the time.

“But sometimes when you are in a team, there must be misunderstanding on the pitch, but everything will be settled in the dressing room.”

“I had a very bad game against England in London, then everyone started talking about it and the list for the world cup was not even out yet.

“It was just a distraction on the team, but for the record, I never have a problem with Mikel, although we later make a video and laughed off everything.” He told www.naijaodds.com.