Peseiro reveals why Iheanacho has not played at AFCON
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has dismissed speculation in a section of the local media that there is an ongoing feud between him and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho was not given minutes by Peseiro in Nigeria’s three games in the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, fueling rumours that he was in the bad books of the Portuguese football tactician.
Prior to the start of the AFCON, Iheanacho was arguably the most influential player in the Super Eagles since the end of last season, having scored or assisted in each of his last five appearances for the national team.
The Manchester City academy product has granted media interviews in Ivory Coast, where he continues to make a case that he is in tiptop condition and deserves a place in the starting lineup.
Peseiro reminded everyone that Iheanacho had injury issues before linking up with the Nigeria squad in the hours leading up to the opener against Equatorial Guinea and hinted at the striker getting his first taste of action in the blockbuster tie with Cameroon.
“If something happened between me and Kelechi, he wouldn’t have come, would have stayed back at Leicester,” Peseiro told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
“You know about Kelechi’s injury. He was recovering during our camping, he arrived 430 am (on the day of the opener). He started collective work with us one day after. It is the reason.
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“When a player has come and recovered, the coach and medical staff need to manage to see if he’s fit or not, ready or not, it’s clear. Easy answer as coach but for you of course you cannot understand that.
“Kelechi, we believe too much in him and he’s going to play and going to score.”
Iheanacho is competing with reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Terem Moffi for the Super Eagles number 9 role.