Omeruo has spent the last four months on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough and has played 14 matches since arriving at the Riverside in January.
The promising 20-year-old centre-back has earned a call-up to the Super Eagles’ squad for next month’s World Cup and is confident of his nation’s chances. Asked how far he believes Nigeria can go, Omeruo responded in hopeful fashion: “I’m hoping we’ll get to the final, but I think at least the semi-finals. ”Nigeria kept Argentina and Messi at bay in 2010 when the two sides met in South Africa, and Omeruo admits he watches the Barcelona star frequently.
“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,” he told FIFA.
His performances have been monitored by Ligue 1 side Lille who have are considering making a move for the 20-year-old.
The Nigerian still has a year remaining on his deal at Chelsea but the club could opt to sell him now rather than lose him on a free transfer at the end of next season.
