Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi showed no sentiments in his intentions as he made it public that he has no plans of including Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho in his current Super Eagles squad or that of the nearest future.
He pointed out that the young striker lacks the experience to play in the senior national team, Keshi said:
“Iheanacho hasn’t been playing in the premier league and it simply tells you that Manchester City wants him to get more experience.
“He is not part of the team (City) at the moment and he has to get more experience and maybe see if he has what it takes to be there.
“He ’s a good player but not for the Super Eagles now, ” Keshi added .
This is definitely a big blow to Ex Nigerian coach, Samson Siasia, former Chelsea defender,Celestine Babayaro, and former national team defender, Nduka Ugbade who all, joined by others, clamoured for the inclusion of the 17-year-old in Keshi’s squad.
Iheanacho gained international attention after winning the Golden Ball in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring a total of 6 goals.
He signed for European Premier League side Manchester City the following year and made his debut in City’s 2014 preseason tour of the United States, scoring two goals in their first two games.
Although, having had a very impressive start with Man city, the club’s manager, Manuel Pellegrini did not include the Nigerian in his final EPL squad.
Iheanacho has recently been training with MLS side Columbus Crew, keeping fit, with hopes of advancing to City’s senior team.
Keshi has also ruled out future plans for the inclusion of Inter Milan striker, Obafemi Martins who was a very active scorer in Nigerian national team some years back.
Obafemi Martins had openly expressed interest to return to Eagles, but, Keshi shunned him off saying he wants the young strikers to grow.
“For Obafemi Martins, it’s good to indicate that you want to play for your nation, as a football player yes of course but we have other players upfront there and you have to give the younger players the opportunity to grow and that is what we are doing,” Keshi said.