“He’s more experienced” – Eguavoen defends snubbing two strikers with 13 goals for struggling Iheanacho

Caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has defended his decision to include out-of-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Iheanacho, who has not scored for both club and country this year, remains a key figure in Eguavoen’s plans despite the availability of in-form Nigerian forwards like Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare.

Criticism has mounted over Eguavoen’s squad choices, as Dessers, Rangers’ top scorer with seven goals this season, and Arokodare, who has netted six goals for Belgian side Genk, were both overlooked.

Dessers last featured for Nigeria in March and hasn’t received a call-up since.

Similarly, Arokodare was widely expected to earn his first international cap after a strong season with Genk, but both players were left out of the squad.

Eguavoen explained his decision, citing Iheanacho’s experience as the main factor.

“I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Seville when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time,” Eguavoen said as per Afrik-Foot.

“I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker.”

Although Iheanacho, currently with Sevilla, has not scored in five club appearances this season, he has a record of 15 international goals for Nigeria.

The forward has also played in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON campaigns.