Nigerian defender Kenneth Omeruo, shrugs off effect of Super Eagles loss to the Eagles of Mali; sets sights on the 2026 FIFA world cup qualifier fixtures; npflupdates.com reports.
Kenneth Omeruo was in action earlier this week when the three-time African champions were defeated by the Eagles of Mali in Morocco.
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The Malian Eagles, scored twice against Nigeria in Marrakech to earn its first ever victory in more than four decades against the Super Eagles.
And it seems the 2023 AFCON finalist are now focused on qualifying for the 2026 world cup.
The Super Eagles will continue their quest for a place at the mundial with two must-win fixtures against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and Squirrels of Benin Republic in June.
Kenneth Omeruo talks about 2026 world cup qualifiers
Kenneth Omeruo revealed it is very important for the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup after missing out the last time in Qatar 2022.
“June is only a few weeks away. We are focused on the matches against South Africa and Benin Republic,” Omeruo was quoted by thenff.com.
“Many players in the group have not played at the World Cup before and they see this as the big opportunity to be there. We cannot afford to let ourselves and the nation down.”
In a related story, Super Eagles interim manager Finidi George, remains positive despite losing its second game in charge of the three-time African champions.
According to the former AFC Ajax Amsterdam winger, inability to convert chances led to the defeat.
Also read: Omeruo : Some Fans Wanted Us Dead Because They Lost Their Bet After 2023 AFCON Final
“It was not a bad game. Good intensity, we created a couple of chances, but didn’t score. And in a game like this, if you don’t score and you make mistakes, you will be punished,” he reflected.
He added, “I’m happy with the way the boys played and it is quite positive,” he stated.