Super Eagles’ defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has declared total war on Argentina’s soccer star, Lionel Messi, when the African giants step out against the South Americans in their final group game at Brazil 2014 World Cup.
The Middlebrough loanee opined that the Brazil 2014 World Cup won’t be business as usual for Nigeria, boasting that the three-time African champions will be all out to redefine their fortune against South American heavyweights, Argentina, Iran and debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“I remember watching the World Cup in South Africa,” Omeruo said. “It was disappointing that we didn’t come out of the group in 2010. We’ll have to play for the Nigerian fans because it was a massive welcome when we won the African Cup of Nations. They showed us how much they love football and how much they are behind us, so we have to play for them.
“I’m really looking forward to the game against Argentina. We will try as much as possible to keep a clean sheet. It will be difficult but we have to do that. They are the best players in the world and we have to show our quality by standing up to them. We will first of all have to make sure we get maximum points from the first two games.”
Asked how he would keep Lionel Messi at bay, Omeruo responded that he had been conducting some research on his Group F opponent.
“I watch him a lot on TV. It’s going to be a team effort to try and stop him. Everyone will have to be positive and 100 per cent focused on the game.”
Omeruo also assured that Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero all potentially lining up for La Albiceleste are no threat to the Super Eagles defence line, saying he’s relationship with his central defensive partner, and his coach who played in the same position during his career, should make that task easier.
“I do have a good friendship with Godfrey Oboabona off the pitch, we talk on Skype sometimes,” he said. “Before the national team I used to play with him in the Nigerian league with Sunshine Stars.
“Most times before games Stephen Keshi gives us both separate advice. He tries to psyche us up as much as possible. As well as that, he is a father who advises us. He’s a really good man to play under.”
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