Kelechi Iheanacho Of Man City Says : I’m now ready to explode with Eagles

Share with your friends....

Nigerian youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho says he would be ready to play for the Super Eagles if he is called upon by head coach, Sunday Oliseh ahead of next month’s 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
The erstwhile Under-17 and Under-20 star was once part of Stephen Keshi’s squad that prepared for the 2013 African Nations Championship (CHAN) but fell out with Keshi after he travelled to England to complete a potential move to Manchester City.
And having been promoted to City’s first team in the new season following a spectacular pre-season performance, Iheanacho believes he now deserves a place in the Super Eagles. Speaking through Kennedy Ezenwere, Iheanacho’s mentor and coach at the Taye Academy Owerri, Imo State, he said: “Kelechi (Iheanacho) was disappointed in the coaches (Stephen Keshi) comment that he was not ripe to play for the senior team. We laughed over it together because it was like a big joke to him. He believes he has what it takes to play for the senior national team and that I agree with him. “Honestly, he really felt bad that the former national team coach underrated him. If he can do it for Man City in the highest stage I think he can equally do it for the Super Eagles?
“All hope is however not lost for him. Now that Sunday Oliseh is in charge he is highly optimistic that he would call him up to prove himself. He is on top of his game at the moment and rubbing shoulders with some of the best players and one of the best teams in the world. He has so far done well for Manchester City which explains why he has been promoted to the first team by Coach Manuel Pellegrini.
“The young man is always ready for the challenge if they call him but that depends on the new coach. If he thinks he needs him that will be fine, he would be happy to honour the invitation. After all every player is proud to represent his country because it is a great privilege. It’s not for him to decide, nevertheless, if for any reason he is not invited they will be doing a great injustice to Nigerian football for wasting such a talent.NFF should make haste while the sun shines. He will be a key to Oliseh’s success.’’
While the teenager is looking forward to Oliseh’s invitation, he admitted that he would not allow it to distract him as his main focus will be to do well with his EPL outfit in the ongoing season.
“Iheanacho’s main concern for now is how he will have a successful campaign with Man City. There is a lot of expectation from him hence he wants to be focused in order to justify his promotion to the first team.
That notwithstanding, playing for Nigeria’s senior squad will be a great honour for Kelechi,’’Ezenwere noted.
Meanwhile, Oliseh has hinted that there will be a few surprises when his 18-man list of foreign professionals that will tackle Tanzania is released soon. Whether Iheanacho will be part of the surprise list remains to be seen.
The 18-year-old has been in blistering form for the Citizens in pre-season, scoring twice in five appearances.

-