Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has explained his decision for not playing Kelechi Iheanacho in Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Round of 16 victory against Cameroon on Saturday night.

Recall that Iheanacho was an unused substitute as a brace from Ademola Lookman gave Nigeria a 2-0 win over Cameroon.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Peseiro said he didn’t play the Leicester City star because the Super Eagles needed to protect their lead against the Indomitable Lions.

“I explained yesterday. I know the value, quality and capacity of Kelechi,” Peseiro said.

“I don’t like to speak about individual situations because other players didn’t play also.

“Kelechi arrived here without one collective practice. Thanks to Leicester [City] for his recovery, we brought him here but without collective training.

“If we needed to score today, it is possible he would have entered but they didn’t need to score. I need to protect my goal; why put Kelechi if I am fighting to win the match?” he said.

Iheanacho is yet to play a game for Nigeria at the AFCON.

The former Manchester City star will hope to play a part in Nigeria’s next game against Angola on Friday.

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