Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has made some honest remarks about Kelechi Iheanacho’s recent performances, acknowledging that the forward has not been living up to his potential.
Photo by Safari sports
With the Super Eagles facing mounting pressure following their recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Eguavoen’s comments provide insight into the delicate balance between criticism and support for the Sevilla star, Footballrover reports.
However, Eguavoen’s belief in Iheanacho’s ability remains resolute.
In the recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria faced a series of challenges, with Iheanacho’s performance becoming a focal point.
Despite Samuel Chukwueze’s stellar solo goal putting Nigeria in the lead against Rwanda, the Super Eagles saw their unbeaten streak come to an end, with the Wasps clinching a surprise victory.
Eguavoen shows support for Kelechi Iheanacho: an asset despite the criticism
In the match against Rwanda, Iheanacho’s display left much to be desired. Substituted at halftime, his lack of impact became a point of concern to the coach.
Despite Iheanacho’s struggle for form, both at the club and international level, Eguavoen has insisted that the player still holds value for the national team.
Speaking after the Rwanda match, the coach emphasised the need for a more supportive approach.
He reassured Nigerians that despite Iheanacho’s recent difficulties, the player’s value to the country cannot be dismissed.
“Kelechi just needed somebody to build his confidence; he’s an asset to Nigeria. We’ve given him a lot of opportunities, but he’s not living up to expectations. We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater,” he said as quoted by allnigeriasoccer.
Eguavoen revealed that he personally spoke to Iheanacho before the Rwanda match, urging him to take more initiative and try to score.
Photo by Safari sports
He also confirmed that the halftime substitution was part of a pre-planned tactical change, not solely a result of Iheanacho’s performance.
However, the pressure from public criticism remains palpable, and despite efforts to comfort Iheanacho, Eguavoen admitted that these attempts did not fully alleviate the situation.
“Kelechi needs some encouragement. For the fact that we were playing at home and leading the group, I spoke to him personally. Try to get a goal; I am going to give you forty-five minutes; afterwards, Chukwueze will come in.
“The pressure on Kelechi because of the utterances from our people. I tried as much as possible to make him feel comfortable, but it didn’t work,” he added.
With no goals or assists in his last seven appearances for the Super Eagles and a similarly quiet run at Sevilla, the La Liga star’s future in the starting lineup may be uncertain.
However, Eguavoen’s faith in his potential suggests that the door is still open for the forward to prove his worth.
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