Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has shed light on his decision to stick with Sevilla forward Kelechi Iheanacho despite his current dip in form. With the absence of Nigeria's main striker, Victor Osimhen, due to injury, many expected Eguavoen to turn to the in-form duo of Tolulope Arokodare from Genk or Rangers' Cyril Dessers. However, Eguavoen explained that experience played a crucial role in his selection process.
Eguavoen shared his thoughts, saying, “I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time.” He acknowledged the strong performances of both Arokodare and Dessers this season, with Arokodare having already bagged six goals for Genk and Dessers netting seven goals for Rangers.
Despite these impressive statistics, the interim coach opted for Iheanacho, citing his wealth of experience at the international level. Eguavoen stressed the importance of having an experienced striker in high-stakes matches, especially when faced with the absence of a star player like Osimhen. “I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker,” Eguavoen explained.
Eguavoen's decision highlights the delicate balance between form and experience when selecting players for key international fixtures. While many fans and pundits may have hoped to see fresher faces leading the attack, Eguavoen’s preference for experience underscores the tactical considerations in assembling a competitive squad.
As Nigeria gears up for crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on how Kelechi Iheanacho performs and whether Eguavoen's faith in his experience pays off on the pitch.
Do you think Eguavoen's choice to prioritize experience over current form could be a game-changer for the Super Eagles, especially in the upcoming matches?
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