2019 AFCONQ Roster: Iheanacho Must Take Rohr's Snub As Wake-up Call

Published: March 06, 2019

Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has always been one of the first names on the Super Eagles team list since the appointment of Gernot Rohr three years ago, thanks to the high level of trust the former Bordeaux manager imposes in the young man.

Despite his unproductive form which has seen him play ten international matches without a goal, the 65-year-old manager invited him consistently to camp until his last squad which was released on Monday.

For the first time in his reign as Nigeria national team handler, Rohr dropped the former Manchester City star due to poor form.

His exclusion from the list should serve as eye-opener to the player who has not lived up to expectations.

At first, many Nigerians thought Iheanacho's problem was as result of Pep Guardiola's preferential treatment and tactical approach."

Surprisingly, things have not changed for Iheanacho since his switch to Leicester City two seasons ago.

Some faction of the Super Eagles supporters claimed that Claude Puel's inability to feature him in his preferred position was the main reason behind his dwindling form.

This season has been one to forget for the 22-year-old striker. He hasn't shown any urge or zeal to improve his goalscoring rate, neither has he shown any desire to return to the Foxes' regular starting XI.

With the recently released squad list , it is obvious Rohr is no longer comfortable with Iheanacho, hence, he must up his game as soon as possible should he desire to be part of the traveling team to this year's African Cup of Nation which will take place in Egypt.

Iheanacho must wake up to the truth that his place in the team is under intense pressure and he needs to improve his overall performance if he must regain Rohr's trust and also regain his place in the team.

Iheanacho has featured in 58 games for the King Power Stadium outfit since 2017, and he has managed just 10 goals in the process.

Ibukun Italoye