Iheanacho's future at Sevilla depends on ex-midfielder beaten by Nigeria in 1996 Olympics final

New Sevilla boss Matías Almeyda will assess Kelechi Iheanacho during pre-season before making a decision on the future of the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

The Andalusian outfit confirmed yesterday that Sambi Lokonga and Saúl Ñíguez will not remain with the squad following the end of their loan spells. 

Among the returning loanees is Nigeria international Iheanacho, whose future at Sevilla now hinges on whether he features in Almeyda's plans for the upcoming season, Spanish sports daily Marca is reporting.

Appointed Sevilla manager two weeks ago, Matías Almeyda, who was a midfielder during his playing days, is a familiar name to followers of Nigerian football, having been part of the Argentina squad that suffered a memorable defeat to the Dream Team in the final of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Six years later, he was an unused substitute as the Super Eagles suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening game of the 2002 World Cup. 

Despite having a contract until June 30, 2026, Iheanacho's future is up in the air, with a dip in form during the first half of last season prompting a loan move to Middlesbrough.

The Manchester City academy graduate has yet to open his goalscoring account in La Liga, firing blanks in nine matches, including five starts.

However, he reminded Sevilla fans of his qualities in the Copa del Rey, where he found the net three times across two matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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