Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo spoke ahead of their opening two matches in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe later this week.
The Turkey-based centre back has called on his teammates to approach the two matches with all seriousness, as it would help in setting the right precedent for the remainder of their qualifiers.
“We are looking forward to the game,” Omeruo said. “It is an important process for us as we were not at the last World Cup.
“So, this is a serious matter for myself and the team and we have to do whatever it takes to get our ticket to the next World Cup in 2026.
“We’ve played them [Lesotho and Zimbabwe] in the past, but the important thing is to stick to our game plan and take the game seriously as the three points are very crucial to our goal.”
Quick update#soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/Uigi0T1JsI
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 26, 2023
The 30-year-old defender, who is one of the most experienced players in the 23-man team called up by Jose Peseiro and has represented Nigeria at two World Cups, is keen to share his experience with his younger teammates as they kick off their qualification process for the Mundial.
“It was always my dream to play in the World Cup,” he said. “The atmosphere is amazing and they [the younger players] need to experience it themselves.
“You know having thousands of Nigerians travel around just to watch us play, it’s a thing of joy and I’m looking forward to another tournament,” Omeruo concluded.
FYI: Date, Time and Venue of MD2 in Rwanda#soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain #2026worldcupqualifiers pic.twitter.com/oPLWSjJxIF
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 10, 2023
Nigeria will begin their qualifiers by facing the Crocodiles of Lesotho in their group opener on Thursday, November 16, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Three days later, they will make a trip to Rwanda to face the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Bature on November 19, and Omeruo is expected to play a large part in the two games.
