Joseph Yobo backs Kenneth Omeruo to fill his boots

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Feb 28, 2019. 10:00

Former Nigeria national team captain Joseph Yobo has identified Kenneth Omeruo as the man who will become the Super Eagles’ rock at the back.

Yobo was exactly that for Nigeria in an international career which spanned 13 years, brought over 100 caps and the honour of lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2013 as skipper of the victorious squad.

The retired player told the News Agency of Nigeria that Kenneth Omeruo, who is on loan at Spanish top flight club CD Leganes from Chelsea, is someone the Super Eagles can build around for years to come.

“I am happy for Omeruo because he played along with me. I am happy that he is fulfilling his potential because he is a good defender,” said Yobo.

“Omeruo is someone I have hoped to take over from me and I am happy that he is in Spain and doing fantastically well.

“I am also happy other defenders such as Leon Balogun and other players are performing as well. It is always good that we have our defenders fit and at the moment doing well.

“[The] Super Eagles team is presently doing well now and they need the support of all Nigerians to do well at the AFCON 2019.”

The former Everton stalwart added, “The future is bright for the team and I believe in them. In football, you go into the tournament with the mind of winning but the team should take it one game after another.”