NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen has backed Eric Chelle’s decision to include Kelechi Iheanacho in Nigeria’s 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, insisting that leaving him out would be unfair, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle named his provisional squad on March 4, but Iheanacho’s inclusion has met with loud uproar, given his struggles for form and game time for Sevilla and Middlesbrough this season.
The 28-year-old started the season at Sevilla, where he scored three goals in the Copa del Rey but found himself on the fringes of the first team, making just five La Liga starts. A loan move to Middlesbrough in January was expected to revive his season, but the forward has yet to score or register an assist in five Championship appearances.
Despite these struggles, Eguavoen has justified Iheanacho’s call-up, pointing out that the expanded squad size warrants his inclusion.
“It’s not fair on Kelechi Iheanacho if Eric Chelle makes a 39-man list and he isn’t involved. If it’s a 23 or 25-man list, that’s fine,” Eguavoen stated on Monday Night Football, as per Journalist Mike.
While Eguavoen’s comments lend support to Iheanacho’s selection, they also suggest he may not make the final squad. With Nigeria’s attacking options boasting in-form players like Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare, as well as Sadiq Umar impressing recently, Iheanacho faces stiff competition for a spot in the final list, which is set to be announced this week.
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The Super Eagles are desperate for goals, having scored just four times in four World Cup qualifying matches. Iheanacho remains one of the few players to have contributed, netting a crucial equaliser in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.
With crucial qualifiers against Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali and Zimbabwe on March 25 in Uyo, Nigeria cannot afford any slip-ups. The Super Eagles are under pressure to deliver, and the final squad selection will be key in ensuring they secure vital wins in both fixtures.
Iheanacho, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad, boasts 15 goals in 57 senior appearances.
Among active players, only Victor Osimhen (23) and Ahmed Musa (16) have scored more for Nigeria, placing Iheanacho among the country’s top ten all-time scorers.
