Kenneth Omeruo

Kenneth Omeruo
Omeruo with Nigeria in 2017
Personal information
Full name Kenneth Josiah Omeruo[1]
Date of birth (1993-10-17) 17 October 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Abia State, Nigeria
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Kasımpaşa
Number 4
Youth career
2009-2011 Hard Foundation
2011–2012 Standard Liège
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2019 Chelsea 0 (0)
2012–2013 → ADO Den Haag (loan) 36 (2)
2014–2015 → Middlesbrough (loan) 33 (0)
2015–2016 → Kasımpaşa (loan) 25 (0)
2016–2017 → Alanyaspor (loan) 26 (1)
2017–2018 → Kasımpaşa (loan) 28 (1)
2018–2019 → Leganés (loan) 28 (0)
2019–2023 Leganés 86 (5)
2023– Kasımpaşa 28 (1)
International career‡
2009 Nigeria U17 7 (1)
2011 Nigeria U20 5 (0)
2013– Nigeria 68 (1)
Medal record
Africa Cup of Nations
Winner 2013 South Africa
Second place 2023 Ivory Coast
Third place 2019 Egypt
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 September 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:01, 26 March 2024 (UTC)

Kenneth Josiah Omeruo OON MON (born 17 October 1993) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Süper Lig club Kasımpaşa and the Nigeria national team.[2][3] Omeruo signed for Chelsea from Standard Liège in January 2012 and upon signing went on loan to Dutch top-flight side ADO Den Haag. Then only 19, he impressed enough in the Eredivisie to earn a call up to the Nigerian national team.

Now a regular international, Omeruo has represented Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Omeruo cemented a place in the starting line-up at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles emerged victorious in the tournament.[4] In 2019 he scored his first goal in the Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea.[5] He was a key part of the Super Eagles team that won the bronze medal in 2019.[6]

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Omeruo had spells at Sunshine Stars and Anderlecht as a trialist before he was signed from the Anderlecht academy by Standard Liège.[7]

Chelsea

[edit]

In January 2012, Chelsea signed Omeruo from Liège and immediately loaned him out to Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag.[8][9] In May 2014 Nigeria World Cup-bound Omeruo agreed a new three-year contract with Chelsea.[10]

Loan to ADO Den Haag

[edit]

Omeruo joined ADO Den Haag on an 18-month loan deal which kept him at the club until the end of the 2012–13 season.[11] On 3 March 2012, Omeruo made his debut for ADO Den Haag against SC Heerenveen which ended in a 0–0 draw.[12] On 19 April 2012, in a game against FC Groningen Omeruo scored his first goal for ADO Den Haag.[13]

On 28 April 2012, Omeruo scored against VVV-Venlo in the 19th minute.[14] He is the only player in the Dutch league ever to score a goal, an own goal and receive a red card in one match.

Loan to Middlesbrough

[edit]

On 7 January 2014, Omeruo joined Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the 2013–14 season.[15] On 1 February 2014, Omeruo made his debut for Middlesbrough in a 0–0 draw against Doncaster Rovers.[16] On 8 April 2014, Omeruo was sent off in the 82nd minute after picking up a second yellow. Although Boro had to finish the game with 9-men (Ben Gibson was also sent off late in the game), they still managed to earn a 3–1 win victory against Birmingham City.[17]

He rejoined Middlesbrough for the 2014–15 season,[18] making his first appearance against Birmingham in a 2-0 win.

Loan to Kasımpaşa

[edit]

On 21 July 2015, Omeruo joined Kasımpaşa on a season-long loan with an option to purchase the player at the end of the spell.[19] On 16 August 2015, Omeruo made his debut for Kasımpaşa in a match against Gaziantepspor, the match ended in a 3–0 victory for Kasımpaşa.[20] Five days later, Omeruo made his home debut against İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. which ended in a 1–0 victory for Kasımpaşa.[21]

Omeruo had an up and down season, suffering from a couple injuries, however started whenever he was fit. Although the loan deal had an option to buy, Kasımpaşa decided to pass on the option due to a lack of funds, which led to Omeruo returning to Chelsea for pre-season.[22]

Loan to Alanyaspor

[edit]

On 31 August 2016, Omeruo signed a one-year contract extension until 2019, before leaving on loan again.[23] He joined Alanyaspor on a season-long loan.[23] He was given the number 44. On 10 September 2016, Omeruo made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Gençlerbirliği.[24] On 25 February 2017, Omeruo scored his first goal for Alanyaspor in their 4–1 home victory over Adanaspor, netting in the hosts' second in the 37th minute.[25]

In May 2017, Omeruo said he might have to leave Chelsea in order to play regular first-team football.[26]

Return to Kasımpaşa

[edit]

On 25 August 2017, after signing a new three-year deal at Chelsea, Omeruo returned to Kasımpaşa on a season-long loan.[27][28]

Leganés

[edit]

On 15 August 2018, Omeruo joined CD Leganés on a season-long loan.[29][30] In October 2018 he stated that he was enjoying playing in Spain,[31] and in March 2019 he said he wanted to sign for Leganés permanently.[32]

On 13 August 2019, Omeruo returned to Leganés, this time on a permanent deal, ending his seven year spell at Chelsea.[33]

Third spell at Kasımpaşa

[edit]

On 27 July 2023, Leganés announced the transfer of Omeruo to Kasımpaşa.[34]

International career

[edit]
Omeruo with Nigeria against Argentina in a friendly match in 2017

Omeruo played for the Nigerian Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.[35]

On 9 January 2013, at the age of 19 he played for the senior team for the first time in a goalless draw against Cape Verde. He then went on to play in all of Nigeria's matches at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria went on to win the competition for the third time.[36]

Later that year he was selected for Nigeria's squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and played in all of the three group games as Nigeria finished third in their group.[37]

Omeuro was named in Nigeria's final squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and started in all four games as Nigeria finished second in their group and were eliminated by France at the Round of 16.[38]

He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics,[39] but did not make the final 18- man squad.[40]

In May 2018 he was named in Nigeria's preliminary 30 man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[41]

Playing style

[edit]

Omeruo has been described as a "tall, rangy but strong centre-back" and a "level-headed and determined youngster".[7][4]

Personal life

[edit]

His younger brother Lucky Omeruo is also a footballer, who currently plays for CD Leganés B. as a striker[42] and for the Nigeria national under-20 football team.[43]

Omeruo and his wife Chioma have welcomed their first child in London, a girl named Chairein.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 25 July 2020[44]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Chelsea 2011–12 Premier League 0 0 — — — — 0 0
ADO Den Haag (loan) 2011–12 Eredivisie 9 0 0 0 — — — 9 0
2012–13 27 2 2 0 — — — 29 2
Total 36 2 2 0 — — — 38 2
Middlesbrough (loan) 2013–14 Championship 14 0 0 0 0 0 — — 14 0
2014–15 19 0 2 0 1 0 — — 22 0
Total 33 0 2 0 1 0 — — 36 0
Kasımpaşa (loan) 2015–16 Süper Lig 25 0 1 0 — — — 26 0
Alanyaspor (loan) 2016–17 Süper Lig 26 1 0 0 — — — 26 1
Kasımpaşa (loan) 2017–18 Süper Lig 28 1 0 0 — — — 28 1
Leganés (loan) 2018–19 La Liga 28 0 3 0 — — — 31 0
Leganés 2019–20 La Liga 23 1 0 0 — — — 23 1
Total 51 1 3 0 — — — 54 1
Career total 199 5 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 208 5

International

[edit]
As of match played 10 October 2021[45]
Nigeria
Year Apps Goals
2013 15 0
2014 11 0
2015 5 0
2016 3 0
2017 2 0
2018 7 0
2019 9 1
2020 1 0
2021 1 0
Total 54 1

International goals

As of 26 June 2019. Score column indicates score after each Omeruo goal, Nigeria score listed first.[citation needed]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 26 June 2019 Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt  Guinea 1–0 1–0 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Honours

[edit]

Nigeria

Orders

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – List of Players" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 4 June 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  2. ^ Eredivisie. "Kenneth Omeruo, ADO Den Haag". Eredivisielive.nl. Archived from the original on 14 May 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  3. ^ "Kenneth Omeruo". Worldfootball.net. 17 October 1993. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Is Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo Chelsea's best kept secret?". BBC Sport. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  5. ^ "Nigeria vs Guinea: Kenneth Omeruo Voted Man Of The Match". For latest Sports news in Nigeria & World. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  6. ^ "AFCON 2019: Nigeria beat Tunisia, win bronze". Punch Newspapers. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Meet Kenneth Omeruo, the best Chelsea player you've never heard of". FourFourTwo. 6 January 2014. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  8. ^ "Chelsea linked with move for Standard defender Kenneth Omeruo". ESPN Soccernet. 7 January 2012. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  9. ^ "Chelsea Sign Nigerian Youngster Kenneth Omeruo". Goal.com. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
  10. ^ "OMERUO AGREES NEW CHELSEA CONTRACT". africanfootball.com. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  11. ^ "Chelsea linked to Omeruo". Sky Sports. 7 January 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  12. ^ ADO Den Haag vs. Heerenveen 0 - 0, Soccerway, 3 March 2012, retrieved 31 May 2012
  13. ^ Barry Glendenning (9 May 2012). "The Knowledge | English football's only joint own goal". London: Guardian. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  14. ^ VVV-Venlo v.s. ADO Den Haag 2-1, Soccerway, 28 April 2012, retrieved 31 May 2012
  15. ^ "Boro Seal Omeruo Loan". Middlesbrough FC. 7 January 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2014.
  16. ^ "Doncaster Rovers vs. Middlesbrough 0 - 0". Soccerway. 1 February 2014.
  17. ^ "Middlesbrough v.s. Birmingham 3 - 1". Soccerway. 8 April 2014.
  18. ^ "Middlesbrough complete Kenneth Omeruo loan deal from Chelsea". BBC Sport. 6 August 2014.
  19. ^ "Omeruo Kasımpaşamızda". Kasımpaşa. 21 July 2015.
  20. ^ "Gaziantepspor vs. Kasımpaşa 0 - 3". Soccerway. 16 August 2015.
  21. ^ "Kasımpaşa vs. İstanbul Başakşehir 1 - 0". Soccerway. 21 August 2015.
  22. ^ "Kenneth Omeruo To Return To Chelsea For Pre-Season Training". AllNigeriaSoccer. 27 May 2016.
  23. ^ a b "New contract and loan for Omeruo". chelseafc.com. Chelsea F.C. 31 August 2016.
  24. ^ "Gençlerbirliği vs. Alanyaspor 0 - 0". soccerway.com. Soccerway. 10 September 2016.
  25. ^ "Alanyaspor vs. Adanaspor". soccerway.com. Soccerway. 25 February 2017.
  26. ^ "Omeruo says he may have to leave Chelsea for first team football". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 May 2017.
  27. ^ "New contract and loan for Omeruo". Chelsea Official Site. 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  28. ^ "Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo signs new Chelsea deal and is loaned out". BBC Sport. 25 August 2017.
  29. ^ "Leganes Loan For Omeruo". Chelsea Official Site. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  30. ^ "Kenneth Omeruo: Chelsea's Nigerian defender joins Leganes on loan". BBC Sport. 15 August 2018.
  31. ^ "Chelsea's Kenneth Omeruo happy with life in Spain". BBC Sport. 22 October 2018.
  32. ^ "Kenneth Omeruo: Chelsea's Nigeria defender keen on Leganes stay". BBC Sport. 26 March 2019.
  33. ^ "KENNETH OMERUO COMPLETES LEGANES MOVE". Chelsea F.C. 13 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  34. ^ "El C.D. Leganés acuerda con el Kasimpasa turco el traspaso de Kenneth Omeruo" [C.D. Leganés agree with the Turkish Kasimpasa the transfer of Kenneth Omeruo] (in Spanish). CD Leganés. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  35. ^ "U-20 Nigeria international, Kenneth Omeruo set for Dutch debut". Goal.com. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  36. ^ Oluwashina Okeleji (10 January 2013). "Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  37. ^ "Nigeria to take new-look squad to Confederations Cup". BBC Sport. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  38. ^ "France scored twice in the final 11 minutes in Brasilia to beat Nigeria and reach the World Cup quarter-finals". BBC Sport. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  39. ^ Oluwashina Okeleji (24 June 2016). "Kelechi Iheanacho included in Nigeria's Olympics squad". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  40. ^ "Mikel makes Olympics squad, Awoniyi on standby". Punch. 24 July 2016. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  41. ^ "Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - 23-man & preliminary lists & when will they be announced? | Goal.com". Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  42. ^ "Lucky Omeruo, younger brother of Chelsea of England and Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo". BBC Sport. 4 December 2013. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  43. ^ "Foreign player's pay stops Omeruo - MTNFootball". MTN. 14 July 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  44. ^ a b Kenneth Omeruo at Soccerway
  45. ^ "Kenneth Omeruo". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  46. ^ Stevens, Rob (11 February 2024). "Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  47. ^ "Tunisia 0–1 Nigeria". BBC. 17 July 2019. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  48. ^ Udoh, Colin (13 February 2024). "Nigeria awarded national honours for AFCON final run". Football. ESPN. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  49. ^ "Presidential reward for Super Eagles". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
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