World Cup

Kenneth Omeruo delighted with Nigeria's World Cup qualification

By Alex Meyers, Reporter | 21 November 2013

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo says that he is looking forward to next year's World Cup finals after helping Nigeria to victory in their playoff against Ethiopia.

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo has revealed his delight at helping Nigeria qualify for the World Cup finals.

The 20-year-old played for the Super Eagles as they completed a 4-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia in their World Cup playoff.

"It's a great feeling to qualify for the World Cup," he told the club's official website. "The last time we didn't qualify for the Nations Cup, even though I wasn't involved, I know the supporters didn't take it lightly, so we knew we had to make it to Brazil, and I'm happy to be part of the team.

"There was quite a bit of pressure on us going into the second leg because we knew how good the Ethiopians were, despite the fact we won the away leg 2-1. We knew they could play and we knew what they were capable of, so all credit goes to our coach because he told us to pressurise them and not let them dictate the pace of the game and it worked perfectly for us.

"Playing in a World Cup is something I always dreamed of as a kid and when I was injured I was just hoping and praying that I would be back in time to play a part. I want to say thank you to the Chelsea medical staff because they made it possible for me to be able to play, so I was very happy."

Omeruo signed for Chelsea in January 2012 and spent last season on loan at ADO Den Haag.