‘I Am Ready For Chelsea Challenge’ - Kenneth Omeuro

[Folami David]

Super Eagles AFCON hero, Kenneth Omeruo fancies his chances with the Blues...
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How was it like growing up?
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I grew up just like every Nigerian kid who equally aspired to become a footballer. I wanted to play football from the word go. My parents love sports but they don't do that at the expense of education. Even now, I am still going to further my education while playing. I got the right support from my parents but they resent that general view that education is not as important as becoming a footballer. I am happy I got the necessary support from the onset of my football career at my parents, I owe them this great success.
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What were your initial struggles as a youngster who was trying to make a career out of football? Did you ever think of calling it quits?
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Well in life, we all have challenges but my toughest moments were from the level of work I had to put in during the 2009 U-17 screening. There were lots of great players in the camp then and picking the right players was tough, but I thank God I scaled through the screening. It really showed me that I had to be serious with my career because talents abound in Nigeria. All my life, I have had to fight hard for everything I want to achieve. I am not there yet, there are more battles to be won and with God on my side, I'll reach my goal
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As a teenager you were a striker, midfielder and defender all rolled into one. What type were you: penalty-box predator, unselfish playmaker or bruising battering bull that left opposing kids in tears?
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I have always been a cool headed person who will never bully any kid. As a youngster working at a career in football, you dare not say you cannot play in any wing especially if you are looking for a club. I played in virtually in every position before I finally settled for defensive role in Eaglets and today I have no regrets at all.
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You have never looked back since the AFCON, what was the key to your success at the AFCON 2013?
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I think it is not out of the ordinary; God has been my backbone and will continue to be. My parents raised me to honour and worship the almighty God and depend on him for everything I want in life. Besides that, hard work and self belief played roles too. When the coach told me I would be starting against Zambia, I cried to God to take control and he did, even though we should have won the game. The Nations Cup was a great experience for me. Who am I to boast? Why won't I be grateful to God for his grace and mercies? If anyone had told me I would be playing in AFCON 2013, let alone winning it on my debut, then I would have informed the person to stop day dreaming. AFCON 2013 made me respect God more; he does what pleases him. I am not the best defender in Nigeria but it pleased God to give me that surprise package, the AFCON win was a divine gift to me.
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What persuaded you to join Standard Liege before Chelsea came in? What other offers did you have then?
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Lots of clubs came in then but it was Standard that had my signature at the end of the day after which Chelsea showed interest. On what made me join the Belgian league then; I felt that was a good place to start and my Agent was right to have chosen the Belgian league. It was a good place to start from.
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In recent years, Chelsea have used the Eredivisie with great effect regarding loan deals for their young talents with Alex, Slobodan Rajkovic, Gael Kakuta, Patrick van Aanholt and Matej Delac. As a Chelsea player on loan at Ado Den Haag, how has Dutch Eredevisie impacted on your game, Kenneth?
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Greatly! It has made me overcome pressure in match situations. It allows me play to my full potentials and more importantly, playing in Holland has helped develop and fine-tune my skills and calmed my nerves. All I have learnt really helped me at the AFCON. I think Holland is good for young footballers to discover their potentials and become better players. The Dutch league is a good ground for youngsters to begin their careers, considering the opportunities youths enjoy there.
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Will you be ready for Chelsea challenge?
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By the special grace of God! Playing for Chelsea next season will be a dream come true. I'll be ready for Chelsea challenge.

[Shola Sholaz]

It is good to hear that from someone like Kenneth Omeuro. Chelsea would not regret signing him on