Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has cast doubt over Kelechi Iheanacho’s involvement in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), scheduled in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11. Despite being named in Nigeria’s final squad, the 27-year-old striker has not reported for duty due to a lingering muscle injury that has sidelined him for the last four games with his club.
Manager Maresca, addressing the media ahead of the Championship game against Coventry, disclosed, “The only ones [out] are [Jamie Vardy] and Kel [Kelechi Iheanacho] still out, both of them.” This revelation raises concerns for the Super Eagles, already grappling with the absence of key players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Taiwo Awoniyi due to injuries.
With Victor Osimhen emerging as the sole established and fit striker in the squad, Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro faces the challenge of strategizing a lineup without Iheanacho, who was expected to partner with Osimhen. As the Super Eagles gear up for their Afcon campaign, uncertainties loom over their attacking formation and overall performance.
