Kenneth Omeruo will get the shot to cement his place in the NT with his International career winding down, if Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro hands him a starter’s spot against Sao Tome and Principe.
At 28, with an International career spanning just over a decade and 55 caps, including an Africa Cup of Nations title, Omeruo has fallen behind in the pecking order over the years since 2014.
Omeruo lost his place, to the Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong Centre-back partnership; including for on the field performances and media narrative of an “Oyinbo Wall”.
On Monday, he could get a shot with the unfortunate injury to Ekong, who pulled out late on in the game against Sierra Leone and has been ruled out of the Sao Tome & Principe qualifier.
Last season, with his Segunda Liga side CD Leganes, Omeruo had a tough run and only copped 17 appearances from a possible 42, his lowest season-long appearance since 2014.
He closed out the campaign strongly, and in an Eight-minute cameo against Sierra Leone, He picked up his first minutes in a competitive game for Nigeria since the round of 16 match against Tunisia in January.
It may show that Peseiro has some confidence in the CB’s ability, but the absence of Balogun, who was an injury doubt, is also another consideration.
Hence, with the growing injury crisis in his squad, Omeruo could definitely get the nod to partner Semi Ajayi in Morocco.
Despite it being the final NT team game before the League season returns, Omeruo could do enough, if he gets selected, to stay prominent in Peseiro’s consideration.
Next after Sao Tome and Principe is the back to back games against Guinea Bissau in September and in continuation of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
