Kelechi Iheanacho in fitness race ahead AFCON kickoff
Super Eagles and Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is racing for fitness ahead of January 14 clash with Equitorial Guinea .
Iheanacho was included in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for the biennial competition on Friday.The versatile forward missed Leicester City’s 2-0 win at Cardiff City on Friday night.
The Foxes manager, Enzo Maresca that Iheanacho is nursing a muscle injury. The former Manchester City star sustained the injury in Leicester City’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Boxing Day.Maresca confirmed that Iheanacho won’t travel to Cote d’Ivoire if the injury is serious.
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“Kelechi has a muscle problem two days ago,” Maresca was quoted by Leicester Mercuryà.
“We are still waiting to see if it’s something important or a matter of days. But I don’t think he will be able for the next one (against Huddersfield).
“We don’t know yet (if it will affect his Afcon call-up). It depends on the injury. If it’s an important injury, he has no chance to go. If it’s not important, he can go.”
There are however strong indications subject to doctors confirmation that the FA Cup specialist dubbed Senior man but some of his fans will bounce back before the tournament kicks off. Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro is hoping to use most of his experience players with the hope of making history in Cote d Ivoire by adding to the number of titles Nigeria has won the continental diadem.
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Nigeria has won in three past occassions and are now seeking a fourth title on one hand and a better performance than the previous edition in Cameroon where the team failed to go beyond the round of 16.