Udeze Backs Kenneth Omeruo to Shine at CFR Cluj After Injury Setback

Former Nigerian international Ifeanyi Udeze in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa backed Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo to rediscover his best form at Romanian club CFR Cluj, following his recent move to the SuperLiga side.

Omeruo signed a two-year deal with Cluj as a free agent after parting ways with Turkish outfit Kasimpasa earlier this year. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner left the club in January and spent the latter part of the season focusing on recovery and regaining full fitness after an injury layoff.

Now fully fit and eager to return to top-level football, the experienced centre-back is aiming to relaunch his career with the Romanian giants, who have won the league title eight times.

Udeze, a former West Brom and PAOK Salonika defender, believes the move comes at the right time for Omeruo and could help reignite his international career.

“I am happy with his move to Romania, and I wish him all the best. He is a very good defender — a top defender — and can help the club achieve a lot,” Udeze said.

“Omeruo is the type of defender that, when I see in the national team, the Super Eagles, I feel very happy because he is the kind of player who hates to concede.

“He is a very strong central defender and, for me, Kenneth (Omeruo) moving to Romania isn’t a bad move. He still has a lot to offer, he is still active, and he can bring a lot to the national team.”

Udeze also emphasized what the 31-year-old needs to do to get back into the Super Eagles squad.

“What he needs to do to get back into the national set-up is to be consistent at his club, be a starter, and the rest will follow,” he explained.

“Omeruo is an important player. Whether we like it or not, he is someone we need. He gives his all whenever he plays. His mentality is top-notch. He is exactly the kind of player we need in the Super Eagles.

“He is still an important player for us, but he needs to start playing regular football with his new club, improve his physical condition, and see how he can come in and help us — if the Super Eagles manager extends him an invitation,” he added.

Omeruo, who has previously played for clubs like Leganes, Alanyaspor, and Middlesbrough, managed just five appearances for Kasimpasa last season due to injury problems. 

Now, with a fresh start in Romania, he will be hoping to return to form and push for a recall to the Nigerian national team.