The head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has explained why he has not been playing Kelechi Iheanacho at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Peseiro, speaking ahead of the Round of 16 clash against Cameroon, also denied there is a rift with the player.
Iheanacho is yet to play a single minute at the tournament in Ivory Coast.
And Peseiro has addressed the situation on Friday.
‘”There are a lot of negative stories out there. If there was something between us, Kelechi will not be here. I will not invite him, ” Peseiro told a press conference.
“He was injured before the competition and was not with us in Abu Dhabi. He arrived before our first game and started work the following day.
“We have to work with our doctors on his recovery process. We believe in Kelechi, he is going to play and score for us in this competition.”