A lot has been made over the non involvement of Kelechi Iheanacho in the games for the senior national team of Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
So far Iheanacho who has been passed fit by the medical team is yet to play a minute for the Super Eagles at the tournament, where they are through to the quarter final after a 2-0 win over Cameroon in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Iheanacho was once again an unused substitute in the game and he was also not seen in any of the video of the team celebrating their win after the game. A situation that has got many talking about his actions with many saying he should be happy for the team, despite his non involvement so far.
However contrary to public speculations, the Leicester City forward was absent because he was with the CAF doping team after his name popped up in the drawing of ballots for who will be tested for a potential drug use.
He was with the medical team of CAF to drop his samples for the test, while the rest of his teammates were celebrating in the dressing room. It is why he wasn’t seen in any of the video of their celebration that has made it to the public space.
Speaking after the win over Cameroon game, Peseiro explained why Iheanacho wasnt involved in the game but hinted that he could potentially be involved in the quarter final game against Angola.
“I explained yesterday (Friday). I know the value, quality, and capacity of Kelechi,” Peseiro started.
“I don’t like to speak about individual situations because other players didn’t play also.”
Highlighting the circumstances surrounding Iheanacho’s situation, Peseiro stressed that, “Kelechi arrived here without one collective practice. Thanks to Leicester [City] for his recovery, we brought him here but without collective training.”
“If we needed to score today (Saturday), it is possible he would have entered but they didn’t need to score. I need to protect my goal; why put Kelechi if I am fighting to win the match?”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman