Chelsea have blamed their player Kenneth Omeruo for the goal conceded by the Super Eagles in their World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Sunday.

Wolves netminder Carl Ikeme was close to posting another shutout for the national team until the 71st minute when Collins Mbesuma pulled a goal back after a mistake by Omeruo, who slipped inside the box as he attempted to stop the striker.

The Blues reserved special praise for influential midfielder Mikel, who worked a full shift despite being inactive at club level since the the end of last season, and played a part in the second goal scored by Nigeria.

“Mikel captained the side and had a hand in the Super Eagles’ second goal, carrying the ball forward to Brown Ideye who in turn slipped Kelechi Iheanacho in,” Chelsea stated. 

“Zambia came on strong after the break and had a number chances to score, with Omeruo making one crucial block before some sloppy defending from the 22-year-old on loan at Alanyaspor allowed the hosts a route back into the game midway through the second period.”

Chelsea winger Victor Moses was called up for the World Cup qualifier with Zambia but had to pull out of the squad after sustaining a hamstring injury ahead of the meeting.

Igho Kingsley