2026 World Cup Qualifier: Kenneth Omeruo promises bright start with Nigeria

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria defender, Kenneth Omeruo has called on his team mates to work towards achieving positive start for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, beginning against Lesotho.

The Super Eagles who missed the last edition of the World Cup held in Qatar early in the year will hope to get the qualifications to the next one on a sound footing.

They will be hosting Lesotho in the curtain raiser on Thursday in Uyo before facing Zimbabwe on Sunday in Harare and the 30-year-old two-time World Cup participant has urged his teammates to show more commitment by qualifying for the next edition.

“It’s an important one for us. We missed out on the last World Cup, so we want to take this seriously. We have to do what we have to do to get our tickets for the next World Cup.

“We’ve played both teams in the past, and the most important thing is to stick to our game plan and take the game very seriously. We have to win both games,” the Kasimapa defender said.

Omeruo who has being a regular face in the Super Eagles set up since making his debut in 2011 also spoke about what makes the upcoming FIFA World Cup special.

“The memories, it’s a dream to play at the World Cup, and there’s nothing compared to the atmosphere,” the 2013 Afcon winner, continued.

“It’s something they have to witness. It’s an amazing tournament because you get to see Nigerians travelling all over the World to support their country, and we’re looking forward to another World Cup.”