Omeruo Names Messi as Toughest Striker Faced

Kenneth Omeruo, a defender for the Super Eagles, stated that Lionel Messi is the toughest striker he has faced in his international career. Omeruo made this revelation during a feature on Sporti TV as part of their coverage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He faced Messi twice on the biggest stage of international football during the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. In the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, Messi scored against Nigeria, playing a decisive role in Argentina's victory.

He netted twice in Argentina's 3-2 win over Nigeria in the group stage. Four years later, in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Omeruo attempted to prevent Messi from scoring but was ultimately unsuccessful as Messi scored to put Argentina ahead in a match that ended 2-1, eliminating Nigeria from the tournament.

Omeruo reflected on his experiences in the 2014 World Cup, recalling the overwhelming atmosphere during Nigeria's opening match against Iran and expressing pride in sharing the dressing room with Nigeria's football legends.