Super Eagles head coach José Santos Peseiro finally reveals the main reason why he’s yet to feature forward Kelechi Iheanacho at the ongoing Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast npflupdates.com reports.
Iheanacho is yet to feature in any game for the Super Eagles since returning from an injury that kept him out of the national team’s camp in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Also read: Nwabali Is Better Than Francis Uzoho – Rohr Opens Up
Fans and supporters of the three-time African champions are calling for the integration of the former Manchester City forward. Nigeria has failed to score at last two goals in any of its group matches.
So fans argued that with Iheanacho playing alongside Victor Osimhen in the attack, Super Eagles can score good number of goals.
Reacting to questions on why he’s yet to feature Iheanacho who scored Super Eagles only and winning goal against the Pharaohs in their opening game at the AFCON in 2021.
Peseiro cited Iheanacho’s injury, and further revealed there’s a reason he’s not yet getting game time.
What Peseiro said about Kelechi Iheanacho’s lack of game time at the AFCON
“You know Kelechi just recovered from injury, there is a reason why he is not playing. I am the coach and you can’t understand. I believe in Iheanacho and he will play in the tournament,” the former Sporting CP gaffer said during a pre-match press conference.
Peseiro is looking to win his first Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Portuguese tactician is upbeat his side have what it takes to execute the AFCON and clinch a fourth title.
To stand a chance of winning the AFCON, nigeria will first have to overcome the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon when they clash in Saturday night.
In a related development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told José Peseiro and his boys that he’s not impressed with their games so far.
According to Tinubu, the Super Eagles should endeavour to bring joy to Nigerians by winning games. Especially now that they’ve progressed to the knockout stages.
“He said that I should tell the players that he wasn’t too impressed with the last match but he knows that now that they are off the group stages, they are going to impress him more.
Also read: Musa : We Want President Tinubu To Visit And Watch Us In Cote d’Ivoire
“That’s what the President told me and it means that the President is actually watching your matches. Would you believe this? And the President is urging you and also showing an understanding of the game because he knows that there is a lot of caution at the group stage and from the round of 16, you are going to be more impressive,” Tinubu said through Minister of Sports Development Senator John Enoh.
