Super Eagles star urges players to step up ahead of World Cup Qualification against South Africa

The 30-year-old Kasimpasa central defender, who missed out on the clash against Ghana due to injury, emphasized the need for the team to seize opportunities in upcoming matches, following their recent loss to Mali. 

Nigeria is scheduled to face South Africa on Wednesday, June 5th, followed by an away clash against Gernot Rohr’s side in Benin Republic three days later.

Reflecting on the defeat, Omeruo highlighted the importance of capitalizing on chances, stating, as reported by the Guardian, "That’s football, you just have to take the chances that come your way."

“We went into the match against Mali determined to win, just as we did against Ghana. In the end, they took their chances, and we failed to take ours. That’s football, you just have to take the chances that come your way,”

With eyes set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico, Omeruo, a 2013 AFCON winner, stressed the significance of the upcoming games against South Africa and the Benin Republic. 

As one of the senior players in the squad, Omeruo urged his fellow teammates to give their all, emphasizing the magnitude of the opportunity. 

“June is only a few weeks away and we are focused on the matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic. 

“Many players in the group have not played at the World Cup before and they see this as a big opportunity to be there. We cannot afford to let ourselves and the nation down,” Omeruo asserted.