Caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has defended his decision to include out-of-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iheanacho, who has not scored for both club and country this year, remains a key figure in Eguavoen’s plans despite the availability of in-form Nigerian forwards like Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare.
Criticism has mounted over Eguavoen’s squad choices, as Dessers, Rangers’ top scorer with seven goals this season, and Arokodare, who has netted six goals for Belgian side Genk, were both overlooked.
Dessers last featured for Nigeria in March and hasn’t received a call-up since.
Similarly, Arokodare was widely expected to earn his first international cap after a strong season with Genk, but both players were left out of the squad.
Eguavoen explained his decision, citing Iheanacho’s experience as the main factor.
“I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Seville when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time,” Eguavoen said as per Afrik-Foot.
“I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker.”
Although Iheanacho, currently with Sevilla, has not scored in five club appearances this season, he has a record of 15 international goals for Nigeria.
The forward has also played in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON campaigns.
Coasting the same mistake others made. Nigerians shouted hosanna for a win and a draw against Benin and Rwanda. Nigerians will crucify Eguaveon if we mess up the match against Libya. If I were in his position, I would select the best of the best.
I totally resonate with the coach. this isn’t a friendly match to trial untested lots. that said, there is a key area that these coaches have failed to sort out and that’s the number 10 role. if there’s none in diaspora, mould one from the local league.
That’s why the clamour for foreign coaches will continue to reverberate. Whatever the situation, they always invite the best and most in-form players without being pressured by anyone. How do you rationalise the invitation of Iheanacho over our in-form strikers? A complete bench warmer.
‘Experience’ my foot.When you fail again, as you are won’t to, you’ll explain what you’re getting from Senior Man
What happens if he wins? Will you apologise to the coach and the player?
Isn’t this the same Iheanacho that scored the goal that took the Super Eagle to the final round of the last AFCON which we lost to the host host team in Ivory Coast?
I’ll appreciate if we allow the coaches to do their work as they seem it fit. Tolu will one day have his chance, but we must understand that this is a competitive match for the AFCON proper.