Long-serving Nigeria CB Omeruo makes decision on international future, defends mentality of Super Eagles players 

It was dashed hope for Nigeria following their 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

Two second half goals from Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller canceled out William Troost-Ekong's first half opener as the Elephants defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 to win the AFCON on home soil.

Kenneth Omeruo was a bit-part player for the Super Eagles at the tournament, with manager Jose Peseiro sticking with a back three consisting of Semi Ajayi, Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, but the former Chelsea man managed to make five appearances during the competition albeit only one from the start, which came against Guinea-Bissau. 

Ahmed Musa and Omeruo are the two longest-serving players in the current Super Eagles squad, having made their senior debuts in 2010 and 2013 respectively. 

In an interview with Nigerian reporters shortly after the Super Eagles' arrival in Abuja, a question came up about Omeruo's plans for the future and the central defender made it clear that he's not calling time on his international career just yet. 

"My focus now is going back, continue playing regularly for my club and be available if called upon," Omeruo said. 

Omeruo admitted that the loss to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was painful as the Super Eagles players put in their maximum efforts, only to fall short. 

"It was hurtful because we worked hard a lot from the starting to get to the final so it was difficult to take the loss but the players worked hard and gave it all throughout the tournament and didn't complain for anything.

"It happens, it is football but we have to build on this and focus on the next task."
 

Some pundits and fans have claimed that the current Super Eagles don't have the mentality of a title-winning team. 

On if he agrees with that, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner said: "I don't, we have everything needed to win the title. It just wasn't our day, we have to accept it and go forward."

A former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles player, Omeruo has represented Nigeria in four Africa Cup of Nations and two World Cups.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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