A startling revelation has emerged as an explanation behind the below par form seen in Sevilla of Spain attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho during his last two matches with the Super Eagles.
Sports247.ng reports that, although Iheanacho started against Benin Republic last Thursday in Abidjan and versus Rwanda in Uyo on Monday, he had to be yanked off at half time of both games due to his insipid displays.
The worst scenario came for the former Columbus Crew of USA, as well as ex-Manchester City, and Leicester City of England star when he missed a sitter that should have put Nigeria 1-0 up ahead of Rwanda just before half time of Monday’s match.
Nigerians are now slamming Iheanacho left, right and centre, with many fans wondering why the Super Eagles’ caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, started the once promising lad in the first place.
However, ‘Egu’ has fired back on behalf of ‘Senior Man,’ with a verdict that such critical comments are distracting the left-footed attacker, who was voted the most valuable player when Nigeria won the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates.
Eguavoen added that it is encouragement, not abusive words, that Iheanacho needs during these trying times, as the 28-year-old player has also not been able to tie down a regular shirt at Sevilla, which he joined in the summer.
The Eagles’ interim gaffer retorted when asked why he kept starting the struggling attacker: “Actually, Kelechi just needs somebody to build his confidence.
“He’s an asset to Nigeria, and we need to give him a lot of opportunities.
“It’s true that he’s not living up to expectation, but we can’t throw the baby away with the bad water.
“I think Kelechi needs more encouragement. For the fact that we were playing at home and leading the group, I felt we should allow him go in.”
The former national team defender and skipper then disclosed personal efforts he has taken in trying to see ‘Kelele’ regain top form.
“I spoke with him personally and told him I would give him 45 minutes, after which Chukwueze would go in.
“But, the pressure on Kelechi is mostly because of negative utterances from our people. He gets discouraged when people say bad things about him.
“I think he can’t handle it; but I try as much as possible to make him feel comfortable, but it didn’t work,” Eguavoen concluded.
