The head coach of newly promoted English Premier League side Leicester City Enzo Maresca has revealed why Nigeria international striker Kelechi Iheanacho fell out of favour upon his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Iheanacho represented Nigeria at the AFCON despite not being fully fit, which we were made up understand was against the wish of Leicester City who wanted him to be fully fit by snubbing the tournament to focus on his rehabilitation.
He didn’t get to play games for Nigeria until the quarter final and with the team going all the way to the final, he was a part of it all as a second half substitute when they were beaten 1-2 by the host Cote d’Ivoire in the final.
Since returning from the tournament, he has only played in two games with a combined minute less than 30. A situation that is traced to his decision to represent Nigeria at the AFCON and Maresca was asked about his situation particularly with his contract set to run out in the summer.
“I already mentioned in January, during the window, when we had some issues. I said it was not the moment. At the end of the season, we can talk about it. The same thing with the financial problems. Nobody told me, which I don’t think is the right thing to do. There are things we need to clarify. For the rest, we are fantastic. We are all happy,” Maresca was quoted by Leicester Mercury.
The 27 year old Nigerian wasn’t listed in Leicester City’s last five matchday squad ahead of their successful promotion bid back to the English Premier League, a year after relegation from the English Premier League.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
