Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has opened up on the most difficult opponent he encountered during his years with the Super Eagles, and the answer came quickly, Footynaija reports.
While appearing as a guest pundit on Sporty TV’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the experienced centre-back was asked to name the toughest striker he had ever faced.
“Lionel Messi,” Omeruo said.
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The former Chelsea defender knows exactly what it is like to come up against the Argentine icon, having faced him twice at the FIFA World Cup. Their first meeting came in Brazil in 2014 when Messi scored twice in Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria. Four years later in Russia, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again as Argentina secured a 2-1 win that ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
One of the defining moments of that 2018 clash saw Messi bring down a long pass with remarkable control before finishing past the Nigerian defence, despite Omeruo’s desperate attempt to stop him.
Interestingly, although he described Messi as the toughest opponent of his career, Omeruo sided with Cristiano Ronaldo in the debate over football’s greatest player of all time.
The 32-year-old also reflected on his World Cup memories, especially his debut tournament in Brazil.
“During the warming up, the crowd was something amazing. It was something I haven’t seen before,” Omeruo said.
He also fondly remembered sharing the Super Eagles dressing room with stars such as Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, John Mikel Obi and Osaze Odemwingie during Nigeria’s run to the Round of 16 in 2014.
