Interim Super Eagles manager Austin Eguavoen has suggested that fan criticism is contributing to Kelechi Iheanacho's underwhelming performances for the national team in recent outings.
Iheanacho, who returned to the national team for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda after missing out on October's call-up, delivered lacklustre performances in both games.
Despite being handed starts by Eguavoen, his displays drew widespread disappointment from Nigerian football faithful.
The 28-year-old has struggled to find his footing at Sevilla since his arrival after completing his contract with Leicester City. He has struggled to break into the starting line-up, with head coach Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta preferring to use Isaac Romero as his lone striker.
Eguavoen defends Iheanacho amid fan criticism
Speaking to the press during the post-match press conference, Eguavoen said:
“Kelechi just needed somebody to build his confidence, he's an asset to Nigeria. We've given him a lot of opportunities but he's not living up to expectations. We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater.
“Kelechi needs some encouragement. For the fact that we were playing at home and leading the group, I spoke to him personally, try to get a goal, I am going to give you forty-five minutes, afterwards Chukwueze will come in.
“The pressure on Kelechi because of the utterances from our people, I try as much as possible to make him feel comfortable but it didn't work.”
Iheanacho has failed to score or provide an assist in his last seven appearances for the Super Eagles. Since making his senior debut as a substitute in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Eswatini in April 2016, in which Nigeria drew 0-0,
Iheanacho has earned 57 caps for the national team, scoring 15 goals.
