Iheanacho’s omission from the Super Eagles squad for the Tanzania qualifier draws criticism
Former internationals question Eric Chelle's selection as the striker scores freely in Turkey, and players have yet to arrive in Uyo for Friday's game.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is under scrutiny for leaving striker Kelechi Iheanacho out of the squad for Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania.
Punch reports that Iheanacho has scored 17 goals and made three assists in 14 league games for Bursaspor in Turkey's second division. First-choice striker Victor Osimhen is out injured, and Chelle named six forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Usor.
Former international Sylvanus Okpala said the decision belongs to the coach but admitted that Iheanacho's form "should have earned him a spot". Abiodun Obafemi, who won Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996, was more forthright and argued that a player's scoring form should count for more than the division he plays in.
Preparation for Friday's game in Uyo has also been slow. Head Topics reported that no player had arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport by Monday evening, and Tanzania's flight was pushed to Tuesday. Chelle arrived early on Monday.
Nigeria have three points from two games in Group L, behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts, so only one ticket remains available from the group.
SOURCE: Punch
