Chelsea of England returnee, Kenneth Omeruo is staying humble in his strides at the World Cup, as he says he is just privileged and opportune to be in Nigeria’s squad to Russia 2018.
It is Omeruo’s second World Cup outing and, after putting up a five-star performance in the team’s 2-0 win against Iceland on Friday, says he is happy with the opportunity to showcase his talent on the global scale.
It was only in 2009 that he was part of the Golden Eaglets’ squad that settled for silver behind Switzerland as hosts of the FIFA U17 World Cup in Abuja, but the dark-skinned lad, who played on loan last season at Kasimpasa of Turkey, is happy that he is making strides for club and country.
It was Eagles’ late former coach, Stephen Keshi who elevated Omeruo to a regular spot in his team to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria won after 19 years.
Omeruo’s impressive performance at the AFCON gave him muscle for a spot at Brazil 2014, and he played in all four matches before France eliminated Nigeria in the second round, but the defender says appearing at the World Cup a second time is amazing.
However, despite a slow surge at club level, Omeruo said he made the right move by opting to go out on loan from Stamford Bridge, where he signed in January 2012, but is yet to play a single competitive match for The Blues.
He expatiated: “For me, I know the situation in Chelsea. We have lots of amazing talents at the club and they are all doing well in their respective positions.
“It is no longer about playing for Chelsea for some of us. Every player wants to play in a recognised league where they would be mentioned regularly.
“If I decide to stay at Chelsea not minding if I remain on the bench while waiting for a player to get injured, I don’t think I will have the opportunity I am having now to represent my fatherland at the World Cup for the second consecutive time.
“I would have loved to stay and fight for a shirt like Victor Moses did, but I have gone on several loan moves, which has made it possible for me to play more games than I should have been with Chelsea.
“I will like to see what my involvement with the Super Eagles at the World Cup in Russia brings. It is obvious that I need a home.
“They are aware of this as well and I hope I get a good World Cup and have more options in the summer transfer.
“Every time I go back home to play football on the streets with my former playmates I am always amazed at what I see.
“It means a lot. It is amazing. I have been to the World Cup before and I knew how magnificent it was. I am really glad to have another chance to represent Nigeria in Russia.
“I want to play every game and I will like to start from the beginning to the end. Nigeria is a country with lots of talents and I am only opportune to be here.
“We have good players and it is not that I am the best but just because I am lucky to be selected.
“No matter who plays it is the country that we are trying to put in focus, not just myself. Anyone that is selected is welcome by me.”
