- Kenneth Omeruo rules out returning to the NPFL, preferring to scout and develop young players instead
- Omeruo backs new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, highlighting his tactical approach and the team’s potential under his leadership
Kenneth Omeruo, a defender for the Super Eagles, has ruled out returning to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in favour of scouting and nurturing emerging players in the league.
In a live X (formerly Twitter) Space session, co-hosted with fellow Nigerian internationals Wilfred Ndidi and Asisat Oshoala and Nigerian media, the former Chelsea star revealed his choice.
Omeruo gave the absence of a premier club in his native Abuja as justification for his position. “I doubt I’ll return to play in the NPFL.” There isn’t a club in the top division in Abuja, where I grew up. I am also unable to return to Akure at this time. I enjoy evaluating talented players, but I don’t see myself returning to the Nigerian league to play,” he stated.
Omeruo highlighted his lifelong love for Nigerian football, especially when it comes to spotting and developing future players. “I am aware of our exceptional quality. I’d love to run the Nigerian league after football. We should be selling players like the Brazilians, not for small sums of money, he continued. “I know it’s not easy.”
Omeruo continued by expressing confidence about the hiring of Eric Sekou Chelle as head coach, characterising it as a new chance for players to establish their value, particularly those who are having difficulty getting consistent playing time.
“Everyone has to be serious now,” Omeruo said. “It’s like an open trial because some of us haven’t been playing regularly. We have to show the manager that we deserve a place in the team if invited.”
Omeruo highlighted Chelle’s tactical approach, drawing from the coach’s previous work with Mali. “Judging from the way the Malian team played—not just in friendlies but also at AFCON—you can see an organized structure,” he observed.
“I think he has something to offer the team. With the level of talent in the Super Eagles, he won’t have any problem getting us to play the way he wants.”
The defender also reflected on the Super Eagles’ potential, crediting former interim coach Austin Eguavoen for revitalizing the team’s confidence during his tenure.
“Kudos to Eguavoen for those games (AFCON qualifiers). When he took over, our confidence was low, but he helped us regain it. Now, when we are at our best, no country can stand against the Super Eagles,” Omeruo said.
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