Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, clarified his choice to omit Kelechi Iheanacho from Nigeria’s victorious 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 clash against Cameroon on Saturday night.
Iheanacho remained on the bench as Nigeria secured a 2-0 win over Cameroon with a brace from Ademola Lookman.
Peseiro explained to reporters post-game that he opted not to field the Leicester City star to maintain the team’s lead against the Indomitable Lions, emphasizing the need to protect their advantage.
“I explained yesterday. I know the value, quality and capacity of Kelechi,” Peseiro said.
“I don’t like to speak about individual situations because other players didn’t play also.
“Kelechi arrived here without one collective practice. Thanks to Leicester [City] for his recovery, we brought him here but without collective training.
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“If we needed to score today, it is possible he would have entered, but they didn’t need to score. I need to protect my goal; why put Kelechi if I am fighting to win the match?” he said.
Iheanacho has not yet made an appearance for Nigeria in the AFCON tournament. The ex-Manchester City player is eager to contribute in Nigeria’s upcoming match against Angola, scheduled for Friday.
(DailyPost)