Why out-of-form Kelechi Iheanacho was invited for Nigeria vs Libya – Eguavoen drops explaination

Super Eagles interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has explained his decision to include Kelechi Iheanacho in the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya, despite the striker’s poor form.

Iheanacho, who plays for Sevilla, has not scored any goals for his club or the national team this year. However, Eguavoen still sees him as an important player for the team.

Many Nigerian fans have questioned why Iheanacho was chosen over other Nigerian forwards who are performing well this season. Cyriel Dessers, who plays for Rangers, has scored seven goals so far, while Tolu Arokodare has found the net six times for Belgian club Genk.

Eguavoen clarified his decision by explaining that he picked Iheanacho after learning that star striker Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time for the qualifiers.

“I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time,” Eguavoen told Afrik-Foot. “I considered both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but I chose Kelechi because he is the more experienced striker.”