Hot in the news with fresh links to clubs from England, Spain, and Turkey, Nigeria Chelsea’s defender Kenneth Omeruo provides a new glimpse about his life as never before with TAIWO ALIMI.
SUPER EAGLES defender Kenneth Omeruo may have spent two seasons in the Turkish top league, but all he would love to do is stay back in England and play in the world’s most interesting league, the English Premier League (EPL).
Speaking exclusively with Sport & Style, the Chelsea player revealed that Turkey would be a second option for him if deals in England did not come through.
“Yes, I do have offers for Turkey but I am focused at staying in England should the right opportunity present itself. If not, I will consider alternative options,” stated Omeruo who has been in the thick of pre-season training with the English champions.
With two seasons of loan deal with Kasimpasa (2015/16) and Alanyaspor (2016/ 17), the former Nigeria U-17 and U-20 player said returning to Turkey is not written off, though his heart is in England.
His loan spell in Middlesbrough in 2014/ 2015 season, he added, reinforced his strong attachment to England. He is clearly at home with English football given its glamour, challenge, and pace. “The EPL is a great league. Very challenging and one that I know I can handle when given the chance,” confessed Omeruo.
He confirmed offers from Turkey where he has enjoyed his stay, admitting what he would surely miss in Turkey is the fans that he described as ‘appreciative’ and ‘makes you feel at home’ should he eventually switch club this summer.
The lanky player, who got the libero role with Super Eagles under late coach Stephen Keshi, and was instrumental to Nigeria’s winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), reiterated his willingness to move on after five years with Chelsea. He has kind words, however, for the late Keshi, who he attributed his big stage opportunity in the national team to.
Fresh from the Junior national team, Keshi simply gifted Omeruo a permanent shirt in the heart of Eagles defense and the latitude to marshal the team as a libero. It worked perfectly and gave Nigeria its first AFCON victory since 1994. “Late Coach Keshi (May his soul rest in peace) was someone I appreciated as he really gave me the chance to establish myself in the Super Eagles team. He was someone I respected as he had always communicated with me and the rest of the players in a way that made you want to play for him. He knew how to instil confidence in us.”
Born into a football family, growing up for Kenneth, who hails from Anambra state, and moving on onto football, was without hitch or drama from his family members. Kenneth’s older brother played football actively and when he decided to toe the same line, he promptly got their blessing. “Football has been in the family. My older brother used to play for Sunshine Stars and he is very good too. Lucky, my younger brother is even better than me, and he was invited to the U23 team two years ago. Whenever I am home, I spend quality time with them. We are quite close.”
When he is not playing football, Omeruo says he’s the homely type. He loves to invite close friends home, play video games and watch movies with them. “I am in love with indoor games and the social media. It is my own way of relaxing. I don’t go out too much,” he said in a recent interview.
Above all, Omeruo is a lover of dogs. He has quite a few and loves to groom them and play with them. He speaks on other issues, especially his next move. Excerpts…
You have been linked to some clubs in Turkey, what is the true position?
Yes, I do have offers from Turkey but I am focused at staying in England should the right opportunity present itself. If not, I will consider alternative options.
Two seasons in Turkey, do you feel at home there?
My time in Turkey has been great and the way the fans appreciate you can make it feel like home.
You played one season in England with ‘Boro, do you miss the EPL?
The EPL is a great league. Very challenging and one that I know I can handle when given the chance.
Keshi gave you the big opportunity in Eagles. Looking back, how would you describe the late coach?
Late Coach Keshi (may his soul rest in peace) was someone I appreciated as he really gave me the chance to establish myself in the Super Eagles team. He was someone I respected as he had always communicated with me and the rest of the players in a way that made you want to play for him. He knew how to instil confidence in us.
What are your memories growing up?
I remember just watching a lot of football and just always dreaming of becoming a professional.
How did your parents react to their son making soccer a career?
I am fortunate as football runs in the family. I have three other brothers (older/younger) that all play, so for my parents it wasn’t too difficult to convince them.
Some of your Super Eagles mates recently got married, have you found the woman of your dreams and how soon are you going to the altar?
I like to keep things private and will only say that time will tell. You journalists know about transfers, so I am not surprised that you won’t know when players are getting married.
You have played under different coaches in the Super Eagles, what does Gernot Rohr bring to the table? He likes to do a lot of research so that he is able to properly prepare his teams ahead of matches.
What are your immediate and long-term career plans?
I am 23 and not yet at my peak. I want to keep developing into a world class defender. Off the field, I will be working with my management team, Temple Management Company, to launch my foundation and build my brand image.
What are the chances of Super Eagles for the World Cup in 2018 & 2019 AFCON?
We are all very much focused on achieving this. I am confident that despite our recent match against South Africa, the team will pull together as we not only owe it to ourselves but to the fans who have forever been loyal to the Super Eagles.
How did you feel losing to South Africa in Uyo?
Losing any match is always a huge disappointment, but you can only look forward and make amends and that is our focus.
How do you celebrate match victories?
I like to be with my teammates as it is always a good bonding time.
What are your thoughts as you answer the last question?
I am thinking about my greatest achievement to date which was AFCON 2013 victory and how amazing the feeling of winning a major completion was.
If not a footballer, what would you have been?
An accountant.
How do you unwind?
I like to relax at home, hang out with family, and play with my dogs.
