By Amaechi Agbo
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has clarified which of the two Iheanacho brothers was called up to Nigeria’s squad for the international friendly against Russia.
According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria, there had been confusion over whether Kelechi Iheanacho or Stanley Iheanacho was selected after the initial reports surrounding the replacement for injured Al Qadsiah winger Sani Suleiman.
OwnGoalNigeria had earlier reported that Stanley Iheanacho, who plays for Danish club FC Midtjylland, was called up as a replacement for Suleiman.
However, when the official list of players was made public, it was Kelechi Iheanacho, who plays for Turkish second-tier club Bursaspor, whose name appeared in the squad.
Chelle has now explained that there was no mix-up, confirming that Kelechi was the player selected for the October 6 friendly against Russia.
“There isn’t any mix up. It was Kelechi Iheanacho that was called up and not Stanley Iheanacho, but Stanley was placed on standby in the event that someone pulls out injured,” Chelle told OwnGoalNigeria.
The coach also explained the reason behind Kelechi’s inclusion, pointing to the striker’s return to form despite playing in the Turkish second tier.
“Iheanacho is getting rewarded for his return to form despite the level he is playing. He is highly experienced and will be needed in a game like that,” Chelle said.
Kelechi’s inclusion means the former Manchester City and Leicester City forward will return to the Super Eagles setup for the Russia friendly, while Stanley remains on standby should another player withdraw through injury.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on October 6.
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