Former Chelsea defender reacts after becoming 16th most capped Super Eagles player 

Kenneth Omeruo has expressed his happiness after joining the exclusive list of Super Eagles players to have made at least 60 appearances for Nigeria.

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Omeruo earned his 60th cap for Nigeria on Monday evening when he featured in the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.

And in doing so, the former Chelsea central defender became 16th most capped Nigeria player in history, overtaking the legendary Green Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala who amassed 59 caps before his retirement.

Ahead of Omeruo in terms of international appearances are Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Obi Mikel, Nwankwo Kanu, Muda Lawal, Austin Okocha, Stephen Keshi, Peter Rufai, Osaze Odemwingie, William Troost-Ekong, Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini, Elderson Echiejile and Alex Iwobi.

The 29-year-old Omeruo was given his debut by the late Super Eagles coach and legend Stephen Keshi in a pre-AFCON friendly against Cape Verde in January 2013.

Omeruo would go on to become a vital member of the team that won Africa's biggest football showpiece, going the distance in all but one of the matches played by the Super Eagles in South Africa. 

Omeruo, while expressing his delight, posted on his social media handle : 

"Privileged to have played my 60th cap for the super eagles.. all glory to God for the victory."

The Leganés defender has featured in three Africa Cup of Nations, appeared twice at the World Cup, once at the Fifa Confederations Cup and several international friendlies for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Omeruo had only played 8 minutes of football under Jose Peseiro before Monday's game and will be hoping he gets more game time in the future.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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