Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo has revealed that the team are targeting qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare.
Although the three-time African champions are not under pressure, they have a chance to qualify for the tournament in Ivory Coast when they take on the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in a neutral venue this coming Sunday.
Heading into the fixture at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Monrovia, Jose Peseiro’s team are sitting first in Group A of AFCON qualifying with nine points, having won all their matches with the exception of the home game versus Guinea-Bissau.
A veteran of three Africa Cup of Nations, Omeruo stressed that the players are approaching the game against Sierra Leone with seriousness.
Speaking to reporters at the end of training on Monday, Omeruo stated: “We are approaching the game with all seriousness, we know how important it is for us to qualify and better to do it with a game to spare so that we can relax and plan for the future.
“Everyone knows what we have to do. We are here to train and to make sure we go there to win.”
Jose Peseiro has been directed by the Nigeria Football Federation to include at least three home-based players in his squad list, and for this particular camp, the Portuguese football tactician has chosen Victor Sochima (Rivers United), Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC), Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United) and Divine Nwachukwu (Bendel Insurance).
Reacting to the NPFL stars invited for the AFCONQ against Sierra Leone, Omeruo said: “For the national team we need continuity and it’s good to give the younger players opportunities to play and test themselves as well.
“It is a welcome idea and they know they are always welcome.”
Several stakeholders have complained about the busy schedule that sees players represent their national teams in the summer when they are supposed to be holidays.
“Of course if you play a whole season and you play up to 30 to 40 games you need time to rest. The national team, we hardly have time to play together, I think it is welcome,” Omeruo concluded.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
