“Let’s fill the stadium up”

Nigeria last hosted a tournament of international proportion in 2009, with Kenneth Omeruo the only member of that squad in the current Super Eagles.

The German U-17 team raced to a 3-0 lead on the day in the first game of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009. With fans at the National Stadium (now Moshood Abiola National Stadium), Abuja raving on for the Nigerians, Nigeria equalised on the night.

One of the goal scorers on the day was Omeruo who was making his bow with the Golden Eaglets.

Omeruo was not involved as Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in Kumasi and may not be a part of the return leg in Abuja but he’s as desirous of the World Cup as any member of the team.

The former Chelsea defender featured in 2018 as the Super Eagles got eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup and understands the experience.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Omeruo recalled how it all started for him with the cadet national team and thirteen years since then, he’s with the Super Eagles.

“13 years already… tomorrow we will back in the stadium of my city Abuja. My first official tournament was on this stadium U-17 World Cup, 2009. Please let’s fill it up tomorrow as we fight together for victory, ” he wrote.

In about twenty-four hours, Nigeria will host Ghana to a crucial and decisive World Cup qualifying game.

The winner of the tie picks up one of Africa’s five tickets to Qatar. Nigeria needs a straight win while Ghana can progress with a score draw of any kind as a result of the head-to-head rule.