Kenneth Omeruo: "I regret my inability to be part of the Olympic team."
Kenneth Omeruo has dismissed rumours, which claimed he will not be fit for Nigeria’s friendly matches next month against Mali and Luxembourg, but confirmed he will miss the Olympics.
The Nigerian defender missed last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt because of a groin injury and it was that injury that fuelled the rumours of him missing Nigeria’s next few friendlies.
“I am happy that I have been called up for the friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg. I am looking forward to putting on the green and white of Nigeria again and giving my 100% to the team,” he said.
“I am very fit and hope to stay this way for my club and country. There is no truth in the reports that I am currently sidelined by groin injury.”
Omeruo however confirmed he will not be available for the Olympic Games in August, as his club doctor has advised him to rest.
“I regret my inability to be part of the Olympic team but as a professional player one has to be guided by the recommendations of experts,” he said.
“My doctors advised that it is best I have a good rest during the off season and they felt participating at the Olympics won’t guarantee that so I had to pull out. In my absence I believe in the abilities of the national U23 team coaches and the players to do the nation proud in Rio.”
