Despite still playing for clubs in Italy’s Serie D, personal achievements and trophies are no longer the primary focus for Ogenyi Onazi. The former SS Lazio and Turkish club midfielder is now actively involved in organizing youth football tournaments while also exploring his passion for music. Throughout his career and beyond, the ex-Nigerian international has been supported by his family. His daughters undoubtedly shower him with love, but his greatest pillar of strength—both in work and life—has always been his wife, Sandra Ogunsuyi.
A Love Story That Began in a Bank
Ogenyi Onazi has always kept his private life away from the public eye. However, it is known that he and Sandra Ogunsuyi dated for five years before tying the knot. According to Onazi, he first met Sandra at a bank in Lagos. He had gone there to make a payment but realized he had left his pen in the car. When he asked a young woman for a pen, he had no idea she would later become the love of his life.
The footballer recalls meeting Sandra when he was still a struggling young man, uncertain about his future. However, Sandra believed in him from the very beginning and was convinced he had a bright future. Speaking in an interview, Onazi shared:
“Before I met her, I hadn’t traveled out of the country as I was still hustling then. When things started happening, I told myself that if I don’t marry this girl, then there is a problem.”
A Romantic Proposal and a Grand Wedding
Ogenyi Onazi proposed to Sandra after she graduated from university. He popped the question in business class on a flight to Rome, making the moment truly special. The couple remained engaged for about a year before officially tying the knot on June 18, 2016.
Before the wedding, they had a romantic photoshoot in Italy, where Onazi was playing for SS Lazio at the time. The main wedding festivities, however, took place in Benin, Edo State, where a traditional ceremony was held. The procession began at the bride’s home before moving to the Constantial Hotel, where the main event took place. A few days later, they continued the celebrations in Lagos, Onazi’s hometown, with an elegant and intimate reception.
The wedding was attended by close family, friends, and many of Onazi’s Nigerian national team colleagues, including Odion Ighalo, Ideye Brown, Sunday Mba, Ahmed Musa, Tony Ugah, and Kenneth Omeruo.
Building a Family Together
Just a year later, on August 1, 2017, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Makeyla. On October 20, 2018, their second daughter, Zara Agbenu, was born in the United States. In the past, Onazi shared photos of his daughters on Instagram, but those posts are no longer publicly available.
Who is Sandra Ogunsuyi?
Born in Benin City, Edo State, Sandra Ogunsuyi is the youngest child in her family and has a sister. She received her early education at Airforce Primary School, Airforce Base, Ikeja, and later attended Command Day Secondary School, Military Cantonment, Maryland, Lagos. She furthered her education at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she studied Public Administration.
After earning her degree, Sandra participated in the mandatory NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) program, a one-year initiative designed to promote unity and national development. As part of the program, she was posted to a different state, where she engaged with people from diverse ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
Following her wedding, Sandra initially planned to move to London for a master’s degree, but her current occupation remains unknown. However, she once made it clear that being a full-time housewife is not for her.
A Private but Elegant Woman
Sandra is known to maintain a low profile, with her Instagram account set to private, currently having 442 followers. However, glimpses of her style have emerged from past interviews. She describes her fashion sense as classic and sophisticated, a taste she showcased during her daughter’s birthday celebration, where she wore a stunning bright pink dress for a family photoshoot.
A Love That Stands the Test of Time
Ogenyi Onazi and Sandra Ogunsuyi have spent the majority of their lives together, nurturing a deep and unwavering love. Over the years, they have remained devoted to each other, proving that while they may not always be in the spotlight, their love story is a beautiful example of true and lasting commitment.
