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{{short description|Nigerian footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Kenneth Omeruo
| name = Kenneth Omeruo
| image = Kenneth Omeruo.jpg
| image = Argentina-Nigeria (3) cropped).jpg
| image_size = 250
| image_size = 250
| caption =
| caption = Omeruo with [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] in 2017
| full_name = Kenneth Josiah Omeruo<ref name="FIFA">{{cite web |url=https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – List of Players |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619164139/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=19 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| fullname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|10|17|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|10|17|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Abia State]], Nigeria
| birth_place = [[Abia State]], Nigeria
| height = {{height|m=1.85}}
| height = 1.85 m<ref name="FIFA"/>
| position = [[Defender (association football)#Centre back|Centre back]] or [[Right back]]
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]]
| currentclub = [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]<br>(on loan from [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]])
| currentclub = [[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]]
| clubnumber = 22
| clubnumber = 4
| youthyears1 = 2010–2012 |youthclubs1 = [[Standard Liege]]
| youthyears1 = 2009-2011
| youthclubs1 = Hard Foundation
| years1 = 2012– |clubs1 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0
| youthyears2 = 2011–2012
| years2 = 2012–2013 |clubs2 = → [[ADO Den Haag]] (loan) |caps2 = 36 |goals2 = 2
| youthclubs2 = [[Standard Liège]]
| years3 = 2014- |clubs3 = → [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] (loan) |caps3 = 22 |goals3 = 0
| years1 = 2012–2019
| pcupdate = 17:34, 23 August 2014 (UTC)
| clubs1 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| nationalyears1 = 2009
| caps1 = 0
| nationalteam1 = [[Nigeria national under-17 football team|Nigeria U17]]
| nationalcaps1 = 7
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2012–2013
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| clubs2 = → [[ADO Den Haag]] (loan)
| nationalyears2 = 2011
| caps2 = 36
| nationalteam2 = [[Nigeria national under-20 football team|Nigeria U20]]
| nationalcaps2 = 5
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2014–2015
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| clubs3 = → [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] (loan)
| nationalyears3 = 2013–
| caps3 = 33
| nationalteam3 = [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]]
| nationalcaps3 = 17
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2015–2016
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| clubs4 = → [[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]] (loan)
| ntupdate = 11 June 2014
| caps4 = 25
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2016–2017
| clubs5 = → [[Alanyaspor]] (loan)
| caps5 = 26
| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2017–2018
| clubs6 = → [[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]] (loan)
| caps6 = 28
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2018–2019
| clubs7 = → [[CD Leganés|Leganés]] (loan)
| caps7 = 28
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2019–2023
| clubs8 = [[CD Leganés|Leganés]]
| caps8 = 86
| goals8 = 5
| years9 = 2023–
| clubs9 = [[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]]
| caps9 = 28
| goals9 = 1
| pcupdate = 24 September 2024
| ntupdate = 23:01, 26 March 2024 (UTC)
| nationalyears1 = 2009
| nationalteam1 = [[Nigeria national under-17 football team|Nigeria U17]]
| nationalcaps1 = 7
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2011
| nationalteam2 = [[Nigeria national under-20 football team|Nigeria U20]]
| nationalcaps2 = 5
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2013–
| nationalteam3 = [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]]
| nationalcaps3 = 68
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Competition|[[Africa Cup of Nations]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2019 Africa Cup of Nations|2013 South Africa]]|}}
{{Medal|2nd|[[2023 Africa Cup of Nations|2023 Ivory Coast]]|}}
{{Medal|3rd|[[2019 Africa Cup of Nations|2019 Egypt]]|}}
}}
}}
'''Kenneth Omeruo''' (born 17 October 1993) is a Nigerian professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays for [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on loan from [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] and the [[Nigerian national football team|Nigerian national team]] as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre back|centre back]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eredivisie |url=http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/speler/857253/kenneth-omeruo/ |title=Kenneth Omeruo, ADO Den Haag |publisher=Eredivisielive.nl |date= |accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/spieler_profil/kenneth-omeruo/ |title=Kenneth Omeruo |publisher=Worldfootball.net |date=1993-10-17 |accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref>
'''Kenneth Josiah Omeruo''' '''{{post-nominals|country=NGA|OON|MON|post-noms=}}''' (born 17 October 1993) is a Nigerian professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]] for [[Süper Lig]] club [[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]] and the [[Nigerian national football team|Nigeria national team]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eredivisie |url=http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/speler/857253/kenneth-omeruo/ |title=Kenneth Omeruo, ADO Den Haag |publisher=Eredivisielive.nl |access-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514112702/http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/speler/857253/kenneth-omeruo/ |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/spieler_profil/kenneth-omeruo/ |title=Kenneth Omeruo |publisher=Worldfootball.net |date=17 October 1993 |access-date=31 May 2012}}</ref> Omeruo signed for Chelsea from [[Standard Liège]] in January 2012 and upon signing went on loan to Dutch top-flight side [[ADO Den Haag]].

Omeruo signed for Chelsea from [[Standard Liege]] in January 2012 and upon signing went on loan to Dutch top-flight side [[ADO Den Haag]].
Then only 19, he impressed enough in the [[Eredivisie]] to earn a call up to the Nigerian national team.
Then only 19, he impressed enough in the [[Eredivisie]] to earn a call up to the Nigerian national team.


Now a regular international, Omeruo has represented Nigeria at the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]] and the [[2013 Confederations Cup]] in Brazil. Omeruo cemented a place in the starting line-up at the Africa Cup of Nations as it turned into a wonderful tournament for the Super Eagles and they emerged from the tournament victorious.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25204040|title=Is Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo Chelsea's best kept secret?|date=4 December 2013|accessdate=6 January 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
Now a regular international, Omeruo has represented Nigeria at the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]] and the [[2013 Confederations Cup]] in Brazil. Omeruo cemented a place in the starting line-up at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles emerged victorious in the tournament.<ref name="BBC Sport">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25204040|title=Is Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo Chelsea's best kept secret?|date=4 December 2013|access-date=6 January 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In 2019 he scored his first goal in the Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sportsration.com/2019/06/26/nigeria-vs-guinea-kenneth-omeruo-voted-man-of-the-match/|title=Nigeria vs Guinea: Kenneth Omeruo Voted Man Of The Match|date=2019-06-26|website=For latest Sports news in Nigeria & World|language=en|access-date=2019-07-22}}</ref> He was a key part of the Super Eagles team that won the bronze medal in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://punchng.com/afcon-2019-nigeria-beat-tunisia-win-bronze/|title=AFCON 2019: Nigeria beat Tunisia, win bronze|website=Punch Newspapers|date=17 July 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-22}}</ref>


==Club career==
==Club career==

===Early career===
===Early career===
Omeruo had spells at [[Sunshine Stars F.C.|Sunshine Stars]] and [[Anderlecht (football club)|Anderlecht]] as a trailist before he was signed from the Anderlecht academy by [[Standard Liège]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/talentspotter-meet-kenneth-omeruo-best-chelsea-player-youve-never-heard?|title=Meet Kenneth Omeruo, the best Chelsea player you've never heard of|date=6 January 2014|accessdate=6 January 2014|publisher=FourFourTwo}}</ref>
Omeruo had spells at [[Sunshine Stars F.C.|Sunshine Stars]] and [[R.S.C. Anderlecht|Anderlecht]] as a trialist before he was signed from the Anderlecht academy by [[Standard Liège]].<ref name="FourFourTwo">{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/talentspotter-meet-kenneth-omeruo-best-chelsea-player-youve-never-heard|title=Meet Kenneth Omeruo, the best Chelsea player you've never heard of|date=6 January 2014|access-date=6 January 2014|publisher=FourFourTwo|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915105617/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/talentspotter-meet-kenneth-omeruo-best-chelsea-player-youve-never-heard|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Chelsea===
===Chelsea===
In January 2012, Chelsea signed Omeruo from Liège and immediately loaned him out to [[Eredivisie]] club [[ADO Den Haag]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1005272/chelsea-linked-with-move-for-standard-defender-kenneth-omeruo?cc=5901 |title=Chelsea linked with move for Standard defender Kenneth Omeruo |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |date=2012-01-07 |accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2012/01/08/2836305/chelsea-sign-nigerian-youngster-kenneth-omeruo |title=Chelsea Sign Nigerian Youngster Kenneth Omeruo |publisher=Goal.com |date=8 Jan 2012 |accessdate=8 Jan 2012}}</ref> In May 2014 Nigeria World Cup-bound Omeruo agreed a new three-year contract with [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africanfootball.com/news/430249/Omeruo-agrees-new-Chelsea-contract|title=OMERUO AGREES NEW CHELSEA CONTRACT|publisher=africanfootball.com |date=26 May 2014 |accessdate=28 May 2014}}</ref>
In January 2012, Chelsea signed Omeruo from Liège and immediately loaned him out to [[Eredivisie]] club [[ADO Den Haag]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1005272/chelsea-linked-with-move-for-standard-defender-kenneth-omeruo?cc=5901 |title=Chelsea linked with move for Standard defender Kenneth Omeruo |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |date=7 January 2012 |access-date=31 May 2012 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111024554/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1005272/chelsea-linked-with-move-for-standard-defender-kenneth-omeruo?cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2012/01/08/2836305/chelsea-sign-nigerian-youngster-kenneth-omeruo |title=Chelsea Sign Nigerian Youngster Kenneth Omeruo |publisher=Goal.com |date=8 January 2012 |access-date=8 January 2012}}</ref> In May 2014 Nigeria World Cup-bound Omeruo agreed a new three-year contract with [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africanfootball.com/news/430249/Omeruo-agrees-new-Chelsea-contract|title=OMERUO AGREES NEW CHELSEA CONTRACT|publisher=africanfootball.com |date=26 May 2014 |access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref>


====ADO Den Haag (loan)====
====Loan to ADO Den Haag====
Omeruo joined [[ADO Den Haag]] on an 18 month loan deal which kept him at the club until the end of the 2012–13 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/7416126/Chelsea-linked-to-Omeruo |title=Chelsea linked to Omeruo |publisher=Sky Sports |date=7 Jan 2012 |accessdate=7 Jan 2012}}</ref> On 19 April 2012, in a game against [[FC Groningen]] Omeruo scored his first goal for ADO Den Haag.<ref>{{cite news|author=Barry Glendenning |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/09/football-the-knowledge |title=The Knowledge &#124; English football's only joint own goal|publisher=Guardian |date= 9 May 2012|accessdate=31 May 2012 |location=London}}</ref> He is the only player in the Dutch league ever to score a goal, an own goal and receive a red card in one match (against VVV Venlo).
Omeruo joined [[ADO Den Haag]] on an 18-month loan deal which kept him at the club until the end of the 2012–13 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/7416126/Chelsea-linked-to-Omeruo |title=Chelsea linked to Omeruo |publisher=Sky Sports |date=7 January 2012 |access-date=7 January 2012}}</ref> On 3 March 2012, Omeruo made his debut for ADO Den Haag against [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]], which ended in a 0–0 draw.<ref>{{citation|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/03/netherlands/eredivisie/hfc-ado-den-haag/sportclub-heerenveen/1120519/ |title=ADO Den Haag vs. Heerenveen 0 - 0|publisher=Soccerway |date=3 March 2012|access-date=31 May 2012}}</ref> On 19 April 2012, in a game against [[FC Groningen|Groningen]], Omeruo scored his first goal for ADO Den Haag.<ref>{{cite news|author=Barry Glendenning |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/09/football-the-knowledge |title=The Knowledge &#124; English football's only joint own goal|publisher=Guardian |date= 9 May 2012|access-date=31 May 2012 |location=London}}</ref>


On 28 April 2012, Omeruo scored against [[VVV-Venlo|VVV]] in the 19th minute.<ref>{{citation|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/04/28/netherlands/eredivisie/vvv-venlo/hfc-ado-den-haag/1120594/ |title=VVV-Venlo v.s. ADO Den Haag 2-1|publisher=Soccerway |date=28 April 2012|access-date=31 May 2012}}</ref> He is the only player in the Dutch league ever to score a goal, an own goal and receive a red card in one match.
====Middlesbrough (loan)====
On 7 January 2014, Omeruo joined [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on loan until the end of the [[2013–14 in English football|2013–14]] season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boro Seal Omeruo Loan |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/news/latest/0,,1~3607917,00.html |work=Middlesbrough FC |date=7 January 2014}}</ref>


====Loan to Middlesbrough====
He rejoined Middlesbrough for the [[2014–15 in English football|2014–15]] season, making his first appearance against [[Birmingham City|Birmingham]] in a 2-0 win.
On 7 January 2014, Omeruo joined [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on loan until the end of the [[2013–14 in English football|2013–14]] season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Boro Seal Omeruo Loan |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/news/latest/0,,1~3607917,00.html |work=Middlesbrough FC |date=7 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515143919/http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/news/latest/0%2C%2C1~3607917%2C00.html |archive-date=15 May 2014 }}</ref> On 1 February 2014, Omeruo made his debut for Middlesbrough in a 0–0 draw against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doncaster Rovers vs. Middlesbrough 0 - 0 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/02/01/england/championship/doncaster-rovers-fc/middlesbrough-football-club/1484373/ |work=Soccerway |date=1 February 2014}}</ref> On 8 April 2014, Omeruo was sent off in the 82nd minute after picking up a second yellow. Although Boro had to finish the game with nine men ([[Ben Gibson (footballer)|Ben Gibson]] was also sent off late in the game), they still managed to earn a 3–1 win victory against [[Birmingham City]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Middlesbrough v.s. Birmingham 3 - 1 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/04/08/england/championship/middlesbrough-football-club/birmingham-city-fc/1484516/ |work=Soccerway |date=8 April 2014}}</ref>


He rejoined Middlesbrough for the [[2014–15 in English football|2014–15]] season,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Middlesbrough complete Kenneth Omeruo loan deal from Chelsea |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28662451 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2014}}</ref> making his first appearance against [[Birmingham City|Birmingham]] in a 2-0 win.
Omeruo has become a huge fan favourite at Boro and an ever present in defence. Omeruo is tipped to go on and become a future Chelsea regular.

====Loan to Kasımpaşa====
On 21 July 2015, Omeruo joined [[Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü|Kasımpaşa]] on a season-long loan with an option to purchase the player at the end of the spell.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Omeruo Kasımpaşamızda |url=http://www.kasimpasaspor.org.tr/haberler/haber/1010555-omeruo-kasimpasamizda |publisher=Kasımpaşa |date=21 July 2015}}</ref> On 16 August 2015, Omeruo made his debut for Kasımpaşa in a match against [[Gaziantepspor]], the match ended in a 3–0 victory for Kasımpaşa.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Gaziantepspor vs. Kasımpaşa 0 - 3 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/08/16/turkey/super-lig/gaziantepspor/kasimpasa-sk/2074329/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=16 August 2015}}</ref> Five days later, Omeruo made his home debut against [[İstanbul Başakşehir F.K.|İstanbul Başakşehir]], which ended in a 1–0 victory for Kasımpaşa.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kasımpaşa vs. İstanbul Başakşehir 1 - 0 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/08/21/turkey/super-lig/kasimpasa-sk/istanbul-buyuksehir-bsk/2074340/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=21 August 2015}}</ref>

Omeruo had an up and down season, suffering from a couple injuries, however started whenever he was fit. Although the loan deal had an option to buy, Kasımpaşa decided to pass on the option due to a lack of funds, which led to Omeruo returning to Chelsea for pre-season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kenneth Omeruo To Return To Chelsea For Pre-Season Training |url=http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=19196/ |publisher=AllNigeriaSoccer |date=27 May 2016}}</ref>

====Loan to Alanyaspor====
On 31 August 2016, Omeruo signed a one-year contract extension until 2019, before leaving on loan again.<ref name="2016/17">{{cite web|url=https://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2016/08/new-contract-and-loan-for-omeruo.html |title=New contract and loan for Omeruo |date=31 August 2016 |website=chelseafc.com|publisher=Chelsea F.C.}}</ref> He joined [[Alanyaspor]] on a season-long loan.<ref name="2016/17" /> He was given the number 44. On 10 September 2016, Omeruo made his debut in a 0–0 draw against [[Gençlerbirliği S.K.|Gençlerbirliği]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/09/10/turkey/super-lig/genclerbirligi/alanyaspor/2291169/ |title=Gençlerbirliği vs. Alanyaspor 0 - 0 |date=10 September 2016 |website=soccerway.com|publisher=Soccerway }}</ref> On 25 February 2017, Omeruo scored his first goal for Alanyaspor in their 4–1 home victory over [[Adanaspor]], netting in the hosts' second in the 37th minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/02/25/turkey/super-lig/alanyaspor/adanaspor-fk/2291338/ |title=Alanyaspor vs. Adanaspor |date=25 February 2017 |website=soccerway.com |publisher=Soccerway }}</ref>

In May 2017, Omeruo said he might have to leave Chelsea in order to play regular first-team football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39838804|title=Omeruo says he may have to leave Chelsea for first team football|date=7 May 2017|website=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

====Return to Kasımpaşa====
On 25 August 2017, after signing a new three-year deal at Chelsea, Omeruo returned to [[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]] on a season-long loan.<ref>{{Cite news |title=New contract and loan for Omeruo |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/08/new-contract-and-loan-for-omeruo.html |publisher=Chelsea Official Site |date=25 August 2017 |access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41054033|title=Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo signs new Chelsea deal and is loaned out|date=25 August 2017|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>

===Leganés===
On 15 August 2018, Omeruo joined [[Club Deportivo Leganés|Leganés]] on a season-long loan.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Leganes Loan For Omeruo |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2018/8/15/leganes-loan-for-omeruo.html |publisher=Chelsea Official Site |date=15 August 2018 |access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45198394|title=Kenneth Omeruo: Chelsea's Nigerian defender joins Leganes on loan|date=15 August 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In October 2018, he stated that he was enjoying playing in Spain,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45939555|title=Chelsea's Kenneth Omeruo happy with life in Spain|date=22 October 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> and in March 2019, he said he wanted to sign for Leganés permanently.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47709064|title=Kenneth Omeruo: Chelsea's Nigeria defender keen on Leganes stay|date=26 March 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 13 August 2019, Omeruo returned to Leganés, this time on a permanent deal, ending his seven year spell at Chelsea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2019/08/13/omeruo-completes-leganes-move|title=KENNETH OMERUO COMPLETES LEGANES MOVE|publisher=[[Chelsea F.C.]]|date=13 August 2019|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref>

===Third spell at Kasımpaşa===
On 27 July 2023, Leganés announced the transfer of Omeruo to Kasımpaşa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdleganes.com/noticias/el-cd-leganes-acuerda-con-el-kasimpasa-turco-el-traspaso-de-kenneth-omeruo|title=El C.D. Leganés acuerda con el Kasimpasa turco el traspaso de Kenneth Omeruo|trans-title=C.D. Leganés agree with the Turkish Kasimpasa the transfer of Kenneth Omeruo|publisher=CD Leganés|language=es|date=27 July 2023|accessdate=27 July 2023}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
[[File:Argentina-Nigeria (3).jpg|thumb|Omeruo with Nigeria against Argentina in a friendly match in 2017]]
Omeruo played for the Nigerian Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals at the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup]] in [[Colombia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2012/03/02/2942516/under-20-nigeria-international-kenneth-omeruo-set-for-dutch |title=U-20 Nigeria international, Kenneth Omeruo set for Dutch debut.|publisher=Goal.com |date=2012-03-02 |accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref>


Omeruo played for the Nigerian Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals at the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup]] in [[Colombia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2012/03/02/2942516/under-20-nigeria-international-kenneth-omeruo-set-for-dutch |title=U-20 Nigeria international, Kenneth Omeruo set for Dutch debut.|publisher=Goal.com |date=2 March 2012 |access-date=31 May 2012}}</ref>
On 9 January 2013, at the age of 19 he played for the senior team for the first time in a goalless draw against [[Cape Verde national football team|Cape Verde]]. He then went on to play in all of Nigeria's matches at the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]] as Nigeria went on to win the competition for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786|title=Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=10 January 2013|accessdate=10 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>


Later that year he was selected for Nigeria's squad at the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]] and played in all of the three group games as Nigeria finished third in their group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22827902|title=Nigeria to take new-look squad to Confederations Cup|date=9 June 2013|accessdate=10 June 2013|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
On 9 January 2013, at the age of 19 he played for the senior team for the first time in a goalless draw against [[Cape Verde national football team|Cape Verde]]. He then went on to play in all of Nigeria's matches at the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]] as Nigeria went on to win the competition for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786|title=Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|date=10 January 2013|access-date=10 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>


Omeuro was named in Nigeria's final squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] and started in all four games as Nigeria finished second in their group and were eliminated by France at the Round of 16.
Later that year he was selected for Nigeria's squad at the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]] and played in all of the three group games as Nigeria finished third in their group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22827902|title=Nigeria to take new-look squad to Confederations Cup|date=9 June 2013|access-date=10 June 2013|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>

Omeuro was named in Nigeria's final squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] and started in all four games, as Nigeria finished second in their group and were eliminated by France at the Round of 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27969976 |title=France scored twice in the final 11 minutes in Brasilia to beat Nigeria and reach the World Cup quarter-finals. |work=BBC Sport |date=30 June 2014 |access-date=22 October 2014 }}</ref>

He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36623763|title=Kelechi Iheanacho included in Nigeria's Olympics squad|date=24 June 2016|access-date=25 June 2016|author=Oluwashina Okeleji|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> but did not make the final 18- man squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://punchng.com/mikel-makes-olympics-squad-awoniyi-standby/|title=Mikel makes Olympics squad, Awoniyi on standby|date=24 July 2016|access-date=24 July 2016|publisher=Punch}}</ref>

In May 2018, he was named in Nigeria's preliminary 30 man [[Nigeria national football team|squad]] for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] in Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/amp/news/revealed-every-world-cup-2018-squad-23-man-preliminary-lists/oa0atsduflsv1nsf6oqk576rb|title=Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - 23-man & preliminary lists & when will they be announced? {{!}} Goal.com|access-date=1 June 2018|language=en}}</ref>


==Playing style==
==Playing style==
Omeruo has been described as a "tall, rangy but strong centre-back" and a "level-headed and determined youngster".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/talentspotter-meet-kenneth-omeruo-best-chelsea-player-youve-never-heard?|title=Meet Kenneth Omeruo, the best Chelsea player you've never heard of|date=6 January 2014|accessdate=6 January 2014|publisher=FourFourTwo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25204040|title=Is Nigeria's Kenneth Omeruo Chelsea's best kept secret?|date=4 December 2013|accessdate=6 January 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
Omeruo has been described as a "tall, rangy but strong centre-back" and a "level-headed and determined youngster".<ref name="FourFourTwo"/><ref name="BBC Sport"/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
His younger brother Lucky is also a footballer, who currently plays for [[Rangers International of Enugu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2014/05/omeruo-anyanwu-boost-rangers|title=Lucky Omeruo, younger brother of Chelsea of England and Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo |date=4 December 2013|accessdate=6 January 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> and for the [[Nigeria national under-20 football team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtnfootball.com/africa/nigeria/premier-league/news/2013/jul/17-foreign-players-pay-stops-omeruo.html|title= Foreign player's pay stops Omeruo - MTNFootball|date=14 July 2013|accessdate=14 July 2013|publisher=MTN}}</ref>
His younger brother Lucky Omeruo is also a footballer, who currently plays for Leganés B as a striker<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2014/05/omeruo-anyanwu-boost-rangers |title=Lucky Omeruo, younger brother of Chelsea of England and Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=6 January 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225501/http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/news/2014/05/omeruo-anyanwu-boost-rangers |archive-date=12 May 2014 }}</ref> and for the [[Nigeria national under-20 football team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtnfootball.com/africa/nigeria/premier-league/news/2013/jul/17-foreign-players-pay-stops-omeruo.html|title=Foreign player's pay stops Omeruo - MTNFootball|date=14 July 2013|access-date=14 July 2013|publisher=MTN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070422/http://mtnfootball.com/africa/nigeria/premier-league/news/2013/jul/17-foreign-players-pay-stops-omeruo.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Omeruo and his wife Chioma have welcomed their first child in London, a girl named Chairein.


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==
===Club===
{{updated|6 January 2014.}}<ref>[http://uk.soccerway.com/players/kenneth-omeruo/102548/ Soccerway profile]</ref>
{{updated|25 July 2020}}<ref name="sw">{{Soccerway|102548}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Club Performance
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="3"|Cup
!colspan="2"|National Cup
!colspan="3"|League Cup
!colspan="2"|League Cup
!colspan="3"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="3"|Total
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
|-
!Division||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals
!|Club
!|Season
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
|-
|-
|[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
!colspan="2"|England
!colspan="3"|[[Premier League]]
|[[2011–12 Premier League|2011–12]]
|[[Premier League]]
!colspan="3"|[[FA Cup]]<sup><span style="color:blue;">1</span></sup>
|0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0
!colspan="3"|[[Football League Cup|League Cup]]
!colspan="3"|Europe
!colspan="3"|Total
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
|rowspan="3"|[[ADO Den Haag]] (loan)
|[[2011–12 Eredivisie|2011–12]]
|[[2012–13 Chelsea F.C. season|2012–13]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Eredivisie]]
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|9||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||9||0
|-
|-
|[[2012–13 Eredivisie|2012–13]]
!Total
|27||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||29||2
! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0!! 0
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!36||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||38||2
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] (loan)
!colspan="2"|Netherlands
|[[2013-14 Football League Championship|2013–14]]
!colspan="3"|[[Eredivisie]]
|rowspan="2"|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
!colspan="3"|[[KNVB Cup]]
|14||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||0
!colspan="3"|Other
!colspan="3"|Europe
!colspan="3"|Total
|-
|-
|[[2014-15 Football League Championship|2014–15]]
|rowspan="3"|[[ADO Den Haag]](loan)
|19||0||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||0
|[[2011–12 Eredivisie|2011–12]]
|9||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||9||2||0
|-
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
|[[2012–13 Eredivisie|2012–13]]
|27||2||0||2||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||29||0||0
!33||0||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||36||0
|-
|-
|[[Kasımpaşa S.K.|Kasımpaşa]] (loan)
!Total
|[[2015–16 Süper Lig|2015–16]]
! 36 !! 2 !! 0 !! 2 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 38 !! 2 !! 0
|[[Süper Lig]]
|25||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||0
|-
|-
|[[Alanyaspor]] (loan)
!colspan="2"|England
|[[2016–17 Süper Lig|2016–17]]
!colspan="3"|[[Championship]]
|Süper Lig
!colspan="3"|[[FA Cup]]
|26||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||1
!colspan="3"|[[League Cup]]
!colspan="3"|Europe
!colspan="3"|Total
|-
|-
|Kasımpaşa (loan)
|rowspan="3"|[[Middlesbrough F.C]](loan)
|[[2017–18 Süper Lig|2017–18]]
|[[2013-14 Football League Championship|2013–14]]
|Süper Lig
|14||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||14||0||0
|28||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||28||1
|-
|-
|[[CD Leganés|Leganés]] (loan)
|[[2014-15 Football League Championship|2014–15]]
|[[2018–19 CD Leganés season|2018–19]]
|4||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||14||0||0
|[[La Liga]]
|28||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||0
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[CD Leganés|Leganés]]
|[[2019–20 CD Leganés season|2019–20]]
|La Liga
|23||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||1
|-
|-
!Total
!colspan="2"|Total
!51||1||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||54||1
! 18 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 14 !! 0 !! 0
|-
|-
! colspan="2"|Career total
!colspan="3"|Career total
!199||5||8||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||208||5
! 54 !! 2 !! 0 !! 2 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 52 !! 2 !! 0
|}
|}
:<small>'''<sup><span style="color:blue;">1</span></sup>Also includes other competitive competitions, including the [[FA Community Shield]].'''</small>


==Honours==
===International===
===International===
{{Updated|match played 10 October 2021}}<ref>{{NFT player|50699|Kenneth Omeruo|accessdate=23 June 2018}}</ref>
'''[[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]]'''

*[[Africa Cup of Nations]]: [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]]
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!colspan="3"|[[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]]
|-
!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|2013||15||0
|-
|2014||11||0
|-
|2015||5||0
|-
|2016||3||0
|-
|2017||2||0
|-
|2018||7||0
|-
|2019||9||1
|-
|2020||1||0
|-
|2021||1||0
|-
!Total||54||1
|}
'''International goals'''{{updated|26 June 2019. Score column indicates score after each Omeruo goal, Nigeria score listed first.}}{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

{| class="wikitable"
! No !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| 1 || 26 June 2019 || [[Alexandria Stadium]], Alexandria, Egypt || {{fb|GUI}} || align=center | 1–0 || align=center | 1–0 || [[2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group B|2019 Africa Cup of Nations]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Nigeria'''

* [[Africa Cup of Nations]]: [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]];<ref name="sw" /> runner-up: [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations|2023]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Rob |date=11 February 2024 |title=Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68196261 |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> third place: [[2019 Africa Cup of Nations|2019]]<ref>{{cite web |date=17 July 2019 |title=Tunisia 0–1 Nigeria |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48932084 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227223831/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48932084 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=18 July 2019 |publisher=BBC}}</ref>

'''Orders'''
* [[File:Order_of_the_Niger_civil_division_ribbon.svg|60x60px]] Officer of the [[Order of the Niger]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Udoh |first=Colin |author-link=Colin Udoh |date=13 February 2024 |title=Nigeria awarded national honours for AFCON final run |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39518800/nigeria-national-honours-afcon-final-run |department=Football |work=ESPN |access-date=19 March 2024}}</ref>
* [[File:Order_of_the_Niger_civil_division_ribbon.svg|60x60px]] Member of the [[Order of the Niger]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=Presidential reward for Super Eagles |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21450619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116163706/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21450619 |archive-date=2021-01-16 |access-date=2024-02-25 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{BDFutbol|78657}}


{{Kasımpaşa S.K. squad}}
{{Navboxes colour
{{Navboxes
|title=Nigeria squads
|title=Nigeria squads
|bg=#008751
|bg=#008751
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{{Nigeria squad 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Nigeria squad 2019 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Nigeria squad 2021 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Nigeria squad 2023 Africa Cup of Nations}}
}}
}}
{{Middlesbrough F.C. squad}}


{{Persondata
| NAME = Omeruo, Kenneth
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Footballer
| DATE OF BIRTH = 17 October 1993
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Abia State, Nigeria
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Omeruo, Kenneth}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Omeruo, Kenneth}}
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Nigerian footballers]]
[[Category:Nigeria international footballers]]
[[Category:Association football defenders]]
[[Category:Chelsea F.C. players]]
[[Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players]]
[[Category:ADO Den Haag players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:The Football League players]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:2013 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2013 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players]]
[[Category:2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriates in England]]
[[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriates in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:2019 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations-winning players]]
[[Category:2021 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:2023 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:ADO Den Haag players]]
[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations–winning players]]
[[Category:Alanyaspor footballers]]
[[Category:CD Leganés players]]
[[Category:Chelsea F.C. players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Kasımpaşa S.K. footballers]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players]]
[[Category:Nigeria men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Nigeria men's under-20 international footballers]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Nigerian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Abia State]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of the Niger]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of the Niger]]
[[Category:21st-century Nigerian sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 03:54, 24 December 2024

Kenneth Omeruo
Omeruo with Nigeria in 2017
Personal information
Full name Kenneth Josiah Omeruo[1]
Date of birth (1993-10-17) 17 October 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Abia State, Nigeria
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Kasımpaşa
Number 4
Youth career
2009-2011 Hard Foundation
2011–2012 Standard Liège
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2019 Chelsea 0 (0)
2012–2013 → ADO Den Haag (loan) 36 (2)
2014–2015 → Middlesbrough (loan) 33 (0)
2015–2016 → Kasımpaşa (loan) 25 (0)
2016–2017 → Alanyaspor (loan) 26 (1)
2017–2018 → Kasımpaşa (loan) 28 (1)
2018–2019 → Leganés (loan) 28 (0)
2019–2023 Leganés 86 (5)
2023– Kasımpaşa 28 (1)
International career‡
2009 Nigeria U17 7 (1)
2011 Nigeria U20 5 (0)
2013– Nigeria 68 (1)
Medal record
Africa Cup of Nations
Winner 2013 South Africa
Second place 2023 Ivory Coast
Third place 2019 Egypt
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 24 September 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:01, 26 March 2024 (UTC)

Kenneth Josiah Omeruo OON MON (born 17 October 1993) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Süper Lig club Kasımpaşa and the Nigeria national team.[2][3] Omeruo signed for Chelsea from Standard Liège in January 2012 and upon signing went on loan to Dutch top-flight side ADO Den Haag. Then only 19, he impressed enough in the Eredivisie to earn a call up to the Nigerian national team.

Now a regular international, Omeruo has represented Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Omeruo cemented a place in the starting line-up at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles emerged victorious in the tournament.[4] In 2019 he scored his first goal in the Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea.[5] He was a key part of the Super Eagles team that won the bronze medal in 2019.[6]

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Omeruo had spells at Sunshine Stars and Anderlecht as a trialist before he was signed from the Anderlecht academy by Standard Liège.[7]

Chelsea

[edit]

In January 2012, Chelsea signed Omeruo from Liège and immediately loaned him out to Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag.[8][9] In May 2014 Nigeria World Cup-bound Omeruo agreed a new three-year contract with Chelsea.[10]

Loan to ADO Den Haag

[edit]

Omeruo joined ADO Den Haag on an 18-month loan deal which kept him at the club until the end of the 2012–13 season.[11] On 3 March 2012, Omeruo made his debut for ADO Den Haag against Heerenveen, which ended in a 0–0 draw.[12] On 19 April 2012, in a game against Groningen, Omeruo scored his first goal for ADO Den Haag.[13]

On 28 April 2012, Omeruo scored against VVV in the 19th minute.[14] He is the only player in the Dutch league ever to score a goal, an own goal and receive a red card in one match.

Loan to Middlesbrough

[edit]

On 7 January 2014, Omeruo joined Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the 2013–14 season.[15] On 1 February 2014, Omeruo made his debut for Middlesbrough in a 0–0 draw against Doncaster Rovers.[16] On 8 April 2014, Omeruo was sent off in the 82nd minute after picking up a second yellow. Although Boro had to finish the game with nine men (Ben Gibson was also sent off late in the game), they still managed to earn a 3–1 win victory against Birmingham City.[17]

He rejoined Middlesbrough for the 2014–15 season,[18] making his first appearance against Birmingham in a 2-0 win.

Loan to Kasımpaşa

[edit]

On 21 July 2015, Omeruo joined Kasımpaşa on a season-long loan with an option to purchase the player at the end of the spell.[19] On 16 August 2015, Omeruo made his debut for Kasımpaşa in a match against Gaziantepspor, the match ended in a 3–0 victory for Kasımpaşa.[20] Five days later, Omeruo made his home debut against İstanbul Başakşehir, which ended in a 1–0 victory for Kasımpaşa.[21]

Omeruo had an up and down season, suffering from a couple injuries, however started whenever he was fit. Although the loan deal had an option to buy, Kasımpaşa decided to pass on the option due to a lack of funds, which led to Omeruo returning to Chelsea for pre-season.[22]

Loan to Alanyaspor

[edit]

On 31 August 2016, Omeruo signed a one-year contract extension until 2019, before leaving on loan again.[23] He joined Alanyaspor on a season-long loan.[23] He was given the number 44. On 10 September 2016, Omeruo made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Gençlerbirliği.[24] On 25 February 2017, Omeruo scored his first goal for Alanyaspor in their 4–1 home victory over Adanaspor, netting in the hosts' second in the 37th minute.[25]

In May 2017, Omeruo said he might have to leave Chelsea in order to play regular first-team football.[26]

Return to Kasımpaşa

[edit]

On 25 August 2017, after signing a new three-year deal at Chelsea, Omeruo returned to Kasımpaşa on a season-long loan.[27][28]

Leganés

[edit]

On 15 August 2018, Omeruo joined Leganés on a season-long loan.[29][30] In October 2018, he stated that he was enjoying playing in Spain,[31] and in March 2019, he said he wanted to sign for Leganés permanently.[32]

On 13 August 2019, Omeruo returned to Leganés, this time on a permanent deal, ending his seven year spell at Chelsea.[33]

Third spell at Kasımpaşa

[edit]

On 27 July 2023, Leganés announced the transfer of Omeruo to Kasımpaşa.[34]

International career

[edit]
Omeruo with Nigeria against Argentina in a friendly match in 2017

Omeruo played for the Nigerian Under-20 team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.[35]

On 9 January 2013, at the age of 19 he played for the senior team for the first time in a goalless draw against Cape Verde. He then went on to play in all of Nigeria's matches at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria went on to win the competition for the third time.[36]

Later that year he was selected for Nigeria's squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and played in all of the three group games as Nigeria finished third in their group.[37]

Omeuro was named in Nigeria's final squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and started in all four games, as Nigeria finished second in their group and were eliminated by France at the Round of 16.[38]

He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics,[39] but did not make the final 18- man squad.[40]

In May 2018, he was named in Nigeria's preliminary 30 man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[41]

Playing style

[edit]

Omeruo has been described as a "tall, rangy but strong centre-back" and a "level-headed and determined youngster".[7][4]

Personal life

[edit]

His younger brother Lucky Omeruo is also a footballer, who currently plays for Leganés B as a striker[42] and for the Nigeria national under-20 football team.[43]

Omeruo and his wife Chioma have welcomed their first child in London, a girl named Chairein.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 25 July 2020[44]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Chelsea 2011–12 Premier League 0 0 — — — — 0 0
ADO Den Haag (loan) 2011–12 Eredivisie 9 0 0 0 — — — 9 0
2012–13 27 2 2 0 — — — 29 2
Total 36 2 2 0 — — — 38 2
Middlesbrough (loan) 2013–14 Championship 14 0 0 0 0 0 — — 14 0
2014–15 19 0 2 0 1 0 — — 22 0
Total 33 0 2 0 1 0 — — 36 0
Kasımpaşa (loan) 2015–16 Süper Lig 25 0 1 0 — — — 26 0
Alanyaspor (loan) 2016–17 Süper Lig 26 1 0 0 — — — 26 1
Kasımpaşa (loan) 2017–18 Süper Lig 28 1 0 0 — — — 28 1
Leganés (loan) 2018–19 La Liga 28 0 3 0 — — — 31 0
Leganés 2019–20 La Liga 23 1 0 0 — — — 23 1
Total 51 1 3 0 — — — 54 1
Career total 199 5 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 208 5

International

[edit]
As of match played 10 October 2021[45]
Nigeria
Year Apps Goals
2013 15 0
2014 11 0
2015 5 0
2016 3 0
2017 2 0
2018 7 0
2019 9 1
2020 1 0
2021 1 0
Total 54 1

International goals

As of 26 June 2019. Score column indicates score after each Omeruo goal, Nigeria score listed first.[citation needed]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 26 June 2019 Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt  Guinea 1–0 1–0 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Honours

[edit]

Nigeria

Orders

References

[edit]
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  24. ^ "Gençlerbirliği vs. Alanyaspor 0 - 0". soccerway.com. Soccerway. 10 September 2016.
  25. ^ "Alanyaspor vs. Adanaspor". soccerway.com. Soccerway. 25 February 2017.
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  34. ^ "El C.D. Leganés acuerda con el Kasimpasa turco el traspaso de Kenneth Omeruo" [C.D. Leganés agree with the Turkish Kasimpasa the transfer of Kenneth Omeruo] (in Spanish). CD Leganés. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  35. ^ "U-20 Nigeria international, Kenneth Omeruo set for Dutch debut". Goal.com. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
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  44. ^ a b Kenneth Omeruo at Soccerway
  45. ^ "Kenneth Omeruo". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  46. ^ Stevens, Rob (11 February 2024). "Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  47. ^ "Tunisia 0–1 Nigeria". BBC. 17 July 2019. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  48. ^ Udoh, Colin (13 February 2024). "Nigeria awarded national honours for AFCON final run". Football. ESPN. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  49. ^ "Presidential reward for Super Eagles". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
[edit]
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