AYC: Omeruo May Miss Nigerian Squad

The Coach of the U-20 male national team, John Obuh, has said Kenneth Omeruo may be excluded from the African Youth Championship (AYC) if need be.

Obuh, who disclosed this to Tidesports in Abuja, noted that this was because his club might not release him, after playing for the Super Eagles.

Omeruo is a Chelsea FC of England defender who is currently on loan to Dutch side, Ado Den Haag.

According to him, the team still hopes to include him in the AYC squad but his participation in the senior national team may not afford him the opportunity.

Obuh said the player’s club might not release him again to play for the U-20 after being allowed to play at the Africa Cup of Nations where he performed well.

He said the player would also continue training with the team ahead of the Confederation Cup, though his chances were slim.

“I thank God for him; I will not say he is no longer a member of the team.

“It all depends on his team which I doubt will release him because they released him to play for the Super Eagles.

“Don’t forget the fact that the Super Eagles are also going for the Confederation Cup so, I think they will also need him again.

“But whatever the case maybe, let’s look and see if at the point of bringing the last 21, one can then exclude him if it has to be so,’’ Obuh said.

The coach said that he was happy seeing him play excellently with the national team, adding that his joy was to see more of the U-20 players playing in the senior team.

He said he believed that if others had the same opportunity Omeruo and Onazi had, they would perform well too.

“I am not sad, I’m happy most especially that he played so well in the senior national team and I’m praying that more players should also be there.

“I believe in my boys and I know that if more of them are given the opportunity Omeruo and Onazi had, they will not disappoint, it all has to do with opportunity,’’ Obuh added.