'He's not your typical number 10' - Okocha issues verdict on Iheanacho's new role at AFCON

Nigeria legend Austin Okocha, who knows a thing or two about being a playmaker, has issued his verdict on Kelechi Iheanacho's new role at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's caretaker boss Augustine Eguavoen has seemingly handed over the playmaking duties to Iheanacho, who is predominantly a second striker these days at club level.

Of the six goals Nigeria scored in the group phase, Iheanacho played a part in half of the goals, scoring against Egypt, setting up Sadiq's effort versus Guinea-Bissau and it was his free-kick floated into the box that ultimately found the head of Awoniyi for the Super Eagles second strike against Sudan.

Even with those impressive stats, Okocha has pointed out that Iheanacho is not a genuine playmaker but was chosen for that role because of his goal-scoring ability.

Speaking on SuperSport, Okocha said about Iheanacho : "He's not your typical number 10, a creative midfielder. He's a good finisher. I can understand why the coach is playing him there because he can always convert even half chances.

"It's all about getting the right balance for the team and knowing what works for the team.

"At the end of the day it is teamwork and I'll like to see the coach playing players in their right position".

Okocha represented Nigeria at five Africa Cup of Nations, winning the tournament in 1994 and helping the country to podium finishes four times.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel