Kelechi Iheanacho Tells Eguavoen His Best Position in the Super Eagles
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has shared his thoughts on the position he plays in the national team. Iheanacho told interim coach Augustine Eguavoen that he is being played out of position and revealed his preferred role on the pitch.
Iheanacho has struggled for playing time recently, following a dip in form this season. He started for Nigeria in their AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, his underwhelming first-half performance saw him substituted at halftime for Raphael Onyedika.
Iheanacho Reveals His Preferred Role
In a chat with Victor Modo, Iheanacho explained that while he is willing to adapt, his best position in the national team is as a number 10.
“Managers have different ideas, and wherever they put me, I play,” Iheanacho said. “I’m here to serve the country, so I give my best wherever I’m placed.
“But personally, I see myself as a proper number 10 for the national team. Of course, it depends on the manager’s formation, and as a player, you have to adapt.
“In my club, I mostly play as a number 9, but in the national team, I feel my best position is as a number 10,” he added.
Iheanacho has made 55 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring 15 goals and providing 8 assists in his international career.
Eguavoen’s Decision
Eguavoen opted to start Iheanacho and Sadiq Umar against Benin, a decision he later defended by urging fans to remain patient with the team’s development. Whether Iheanacho will get the chance to play in his preferred position remains to be seen.
