Kenneth Omeruo: Super Eagles Veteran Discloses the Decision That Made Him Fail at Chelsea

• Kenneth Omeruo has developed into one of the veterans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria
• The 30-year-old central defender was once on the books of Premier League club, Chelsea
• The 2013 AFCON winner has detailed a reason behind his failure at the West London club

Kenneth Omeruo joined Premier League club, Chelsea, from Belgian outfit, Standard Liege, in the summer of 2012 as a promising young central defender.

The then-19-year-old, who had just ventured into European football from Nigeria Premier League side Sunshine Stars, was deemed a hot prospect for the future, and it was with little surprise, that the then-European champions, Chelsea, went all out for his signature.

However, sadly for both parties, things wouldn't pan out as they had anticipated. The young Nigerian was subjected to a series of loans, including spells at Turkish clubs, Alanyaspor and Kasimpasa, before opting for a permanent transfer to Spanish side, CD Leganes in the summer of 2019.

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Reflecting on his spell at the Premier League club, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner has detailed a reason why he failed to succeed during his stint at Chelsea.

Omeruo speaks on his Chelsea stint

In an interview with media outlet Brila.net, the 30-year-old defender expressed his regret over a particular loan move that he believes cost him his opportunity to play for Chelsea.

Looking back, he said, "I regret choosing to go on loan to Middlesbrough instead of QPR, who were in the Premier League at the time."

Explaining further, he added, "Jose Mourinho wanted me to play at Middlesbrough because the manager, Aitor Karanka, was his friend. But now I realize that was a mistake. I didn't get enough playing time."

"At one point, I lost my focus and had a really tough season. The next year, when I was determined to prove myself at Chelsea, I suffered a shoulder injury, and that was the end of my chance."

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After his seven-year stint at Chelsea, Omeruo was eventually sold to CD Leganes. He has since completed a transfer to Turkish side, Kasimpasa.

Rohr speaks on the Super Eagles

Sports Brief in another report stated that the former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr, has shared his thoughts on the national team.

The Nigerian side finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.