Iheanacho repeats as a starter with Nigeria and his coach defends him: “He needs to be encouraged”

11/18/2024

Updated at 7:49 p.m.

Kelechi Iheanachofront of Sevilla FCparticipated this Monday with the selection of Nigeria in the duel that faced them against Rwanda (1-2) in Uyo (Nigeria) in a duel corresponding to the qualifying phase for the African Cup, a tournament that will be held in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026 and for which The Super Eagles are already classified.

Despite the fierce criticism he received from the Nigerian press after the duel against Benin last Thursday, the coach Augustine Eguavoen decided again to make him the starter for this Monday’s game.

Starting from the wing, the Sevilla striker played the entire first half and after the break he stayed on the bench as also happened last Thursday. After the match, the coach spoke about the Sevilla striker and stated that Iheanacho is “an asset to the team who needs encouragement.” “We talked to him and I told him that he would start and play 45 minutes,” he added.

Now, Kelechi Iheanacho will return to Seville to try to recover his best version with García Pimienta after a disappointing start to the season on his part.