Former Nigerian defender Ifeanyi Udeze believes erstwhile Super Eagles captain Kenneth Omeruo still has a role to play for the Nigeria national team despite his continued absence from recent squads, Footynaija.com reports.
A vastly experienced international, Omeruo’s senior national team career began in 2013 with the 31-year-old going on to become a regular face in the Super Eagles setup up until May 2024. It has now been over a year since Omeruo’s last involvement with the Super Eagles and many consider his time in Nigeria’s green and white colours practically done.
For Udeze though, that is not the case. The former Super Eagles left-back insists the former Chelsea defender still has so much to give at both club and international level. In fact, Udeze believes that if Omeruo can revive his career at club level, he could chart his path back into the Super Eagles fold.
What Ifeanyi Udeze said about Kenneth Omeruo
“I am happy with his move to Romania, and I wish him all the best. He is a very good defender — a top defender — and can help the club achieve a lot,” Udeze said in an exclusive chat with Footy Africa.
“Omeruo is the type of defender that, when I see in the national team, the Super Eagles, I feel very happy because he is the kind of player who hates to concede.
“Whether we like it or not, he is someone we need. He gives his all whenever he plays. His mentality is top-notch. He is exactly the kind of player we need in the Super Eagles.
“What he needs to do to get back into the national set-up is to be consistent at his club, be a starter, and the rest will follow.
“He is still an important player for us, but he needs to start playing regular football with his new club, improve his physical condition, and see how he can come in and help us — if the Super Eagles manager extends him an invitation.”
Omeruo, who was without a club for the second half of the 24/25 season after abruptly ending his one-and-a-half year association with Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa, recently signed a two-year deal with Romanian giants CFR Cluj.