Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, recently spoke candidly on the X Space – OFF THE PITCH – about his ongoing injury recovery, his future prospects with the Nigerian national team under new coach Eric Chelle, and how he handles social media criticism.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Omeruo revealed that 2024 didn’t go as planned due to a knee surgery, which he’s still recovering from. “I had surgery and I am still in rehabilitation. The rehab is going well, and in a week or two, I’ll start full training with my team. I’m hopeful, I’m feeling great,” he said. Despite the setbacks, the Kasimpasa defender is optimistic about returning to top form for both his club and the Super Eagles. “During the AFCON, I had pain in my knee, but now I feel confident,” he added.
As Omeruo looks ahead to 2025, he acknowledged the importance of self-reflection and setting new goals. “This year, I want to improve in whatever I have been doing,” he noted. In addition to his physical recovery, the defender has also enrolled at the National Open University to study International Relations, a decision born out of the downtime he experienced during his recovery.
With a new coach in charge of the Super Eagles, Omeruo is eager to prove his worth. He believes this year is crucial for players like himself, who are seeking to make a mark under the new regime. “It’s like an open trial for some of us who haven’t been playing regularly,” Omeruo said, adding that the team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers are a vital opportunity to showcase their skills.
Discussing Nigeria’s chances in the remaining World Cup qualifiers, Omeruo emphasized the importance of early preparation. “We have to start thinking about the games and put our focus. If it’s an away match, we need the officials to be there a few days before the players to make sure everything is in order,” he explained. He believes that if the team arrives in high spirits and with proper preparation, they have a good chance of securing wins.
On the subject of mental health, Omeruo opened up about the impact of online criticism. He admitted that criticism, particularly from fans, can be mentally draining. “When I go to a major tournament, I delete Facebook and Instagram from my phone because the only people who will be able to reach me via WhatsApp are close to me,” he shared. Omeruo explained that he does this to avoid being overwhelmed by the negative comments, which can often be exacerbated by the high stakes of betting on games. He also pointed out how such reactions affect players deeply, referencing how his teammate, Maduka Okoye, was impacted by criticism following a loss at the last AFCON.
Looking to the future, Omeruo discussed the possibility of returning to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). While he doesn’t foresee a return to the league in the near future, he expressed interest in supporting it in other ways. “After football, what I want to do is to manage the Nigerian league,” he stated. He believes there’s potential for the league to export players internationally for millions, similar to what is done with Brazilian players.
Finally, Omeruo shared his plans for 2025 off the pitch, announcing that he is launching his personal brand, which will feature items like hoodies and t-shirts. “It will be ready in a few months,” he confirmed.
As Omeruo continues his recovery and looks ahead to the future, both on and off the pitch, his resilience and passion for the game remain clear.
