AFCON 2021: Eguavoen says Nwakali is a fringe player in the Super Eagles squad

The Huesca midfielder has only made late cameos in the two games the Super Eagles have played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations 

Super Eagles interim boss Austin Eguavoen has admitted that it is difficult for him to find a role for Kelechi Nwakali in the Super Eagles team because he does not have enough experience with the team.

Nwakali was called up for the biennial competition to provide more attacking options, but he has only made two substitute appearances in the games against Egypt and Sudan.

Eguavoen has gone with a midfield combination of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo, which has proven successful.

But there is still a section of Nigerian fans that would like to see Nwakali, considering his track record at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup.

However, Eguavoen believes the former Arsenal man may find it difficult to play, and he needs to be patient because he has no understanding with the team as it is his first time with the national team.

“More patience, I’ll say, and he’s been a fringe player in and out of the team, Eguavoen said after Nigeria’s game against Sudan,” as per Modo. 

“And now we’ve given him the confidence to come in and not to start the game because Aribo has been there, good understanding with the team and of course with Ndidi in the middle of the park.”

“Ndidi actually haven’t played with Kelechi, so it’s a little bit difficult to just change the team’s formation,” Eguavoen added.

Nwakali could get his chance in Nigeria’s final game against Guinea-Bissau, though, as the Super Eagles have already secured top spot and qualification to the second round.