TheCable

Super Eagles of Nigeria defender, Kenneth Omeruo, is setting his sight on a regular first-team spot with Chelsea next season, once the World Cup is over.

The 20-year-old Nigeria international recently signed a new deal to remain at Stamford Bridge after impressing during a loan spell at Middlesbrough.

Omeruo has gained significant experience at international level, winning 16 caps with the Super Eagles. But he is yet to cement his place in Chelsea’s back-four.

Since January 2012 when Chelsea signed him from Belgian club Liege, the London team have loaned him out to Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag and to Middlesbrough in the second half of 2013-14 season.

And with David Luiz set to depart for Paris-Saint Germain, there is an available spot in Chelsea’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations winner.

“They just gave me good feedback and they want me next season,” the defender told London24.

“We’re going to see how it goes after the World Cup. I hope to get a chance next year. I didn’t speak to the manager [after signing a new deal], as I was in the Nigeria World Cup camp.”

The Super Eagles will be taking on Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina before facing highly-fancied Argentina. And Omeruo is so undaunted by the prospect of facing one of the world’s best players that he is even targeting a semifinal spot from the tournament in Brazil.

“I’ve not dreamed about facing Messi. I’ve played against some other top players,” the defender said.

“We just have to be focused as a defence and I think we can get out of the group. I think we can make the semifinal, possibly the final. The group is the first priority. I think it’s a tough group, but I think we’ve got a chance of coming out of it.”

Omeruo’s confidence stems from his loan spell at the Riverside Stadium, and he is going into the World Cup with confidence.

“I’ve been very pleased with my season. I went on loan to Middlesbrough and played a lot of games.

“I’ve got confidence that I can take into the World Cup. The loan spell went very very well.”