La Liga hopefuls CD Leganes appoint former Chelsea man Kenneth Omeruo as team captain

The Nigeria international is rewarded for his loyalty to the Spanish side four years after joining from Chelsea

Segunda Division side CD Leganes have confirmed Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo as the permanent captain ahead of the 2022-2023 league season.

While Omeruo will serve as the club captain, he will be assisted by four others, including Juan Muñoz Muñoz, Jose Manuel Arnaiz, Sergio González, and Asier Riesgo.

How has Omeruo risen to captainship?

After six years on the books of Chelsea, Kenneth Omeruo initially joined Leganes in 2018 on a temporary deal. The Nigeria international impressed and the loan move was made permanent ahead of the next campaign.

But Leganes suffered relegation at the end of the 2019-2020 season after a disappointing 18th-placed finish.

Despite offers from other clubs, Omeruo decided to stay back at the Cucumber Growers and nearly helped them secure an instant promotion back to La Liga.

Leganes, however, failed in the playoffs after a third-place finish in the Segunda Division.

Last season was even more disappointing for Leganes, with El Lega ending 12th on the 22-team log.

What is the challenge ahead of Omeruo?

A return to La Liga remains Leganes’ primary objective in the 2022-2023 campaign.

A deeper run in the Copa del Rey will also please the club’s numerous fans. Leganes have not made it past the Round of 32 in the past two editions of the King’s Cup.

Omeruo’s first official match as Leganes’ skipper comes this weekend when Imanol Idiakez’s men host Alaves in a matchday one clash of the Segunda Division.