In the aftermath of Nigeria's 2-0 triumph over Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, Coach Jose Peseiro clarifies why star player Kelechi Iheanacho remained on the bench, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Iheanacho, came into the tournament injured but despite being declared fully fit, the Leicester City striker is make an appearance in AFCON 2023.
Peseiro however, emphasizes the need to safeguard the lead against the Indomitable Lions, highlighting Iheanacho's limited collective practice with the team.
“I explained yesterday. I know the value, quality and capacity of Kelechi,” Peseiro said.
“I don’t like to speak about individual situations because other players didn’t play also.
“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, 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?” he said.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun