AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro opens up on Kelechi Iheanacho’s lack of game time

Iheanacho has been on the bench since the start of the AFCON, and there have been talks that there may be some discord between him and the coaching staff

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has stated that Leicester City star Kelechi Iheanacho has not gotten minutes at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations because he resumed camp late.

Iheanacho has been a regular for Nigeria over the years, and he was expected to play an important role in the team in the team. However, it has not turned out that way, as Iheanacho has not featured in any of Nigeria’s games so far at the AFCON.

The 27-year-old Leicester City man struggled with injuries just before the AFCON started, which made him miss the Super Eagles training camp in Abu Dhabi. Nonetheless, he resumed camp just in time for the competition.

Still, Iheanacho has watched all of Nigeria’s games from the sidelines. Due to this, questions have been raised, and ahead of the round of 16 clash against Cameroon Soccernet.ng asked Peseiro about Iheanacho’s situation.

The Portuguese tactician then went on to clarify Iheanacho’s situation.

“If I had issues with Kelechi, he wouldn’t come; he would have stayed at home. Kelechi had an injury before the start of the AFCON, he arrived late, and he started to work with us late,” Peseiro said.

“But we believe so much in Kelechi. He is going to play, and he is going to score.”

For Iheanacho to play in the AFCON, coach Jose Peseiro may have to tweak his 3-4-3 setup. The current formation only allows for two natural midfielders and three natural attackers. Obviously, Osimhen can not be benched for Iheanacho. Also, Iheanacho can play from the wing.

Peseiro may have to revert to his usual 4-4-2 formation or play a 4-3-3, which will see Iheanacho operate from the top of the midfield.