Browsing: Kelechi Iheanacho

While Ndidi and Osimhen are sure bets for the starting starting line up, their compatriot, Iheanacho may start the tie from the bench.

His role on the bench comes despite scoring 19 goals last season to end Jamie Vardy’s five-year streak as the club’s top scorer and help them finish as surprise FA Cup winners.

‘Senior Man Kelz’, as he is fondly called by his admirers, opened his World Cup qualifier goal account by beating Liberia goalie Kpah Sherman in the 22nd minute of the encounter.

The match, played on Friday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos State, was part of the qualifying rounds in Africa

The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying tie against Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos kicks off at 5pm Nigeria time

Other players in camp as at press time are; Moses Simon, Shehu Abdullahi, Samuel Kalu, Daniel Akpeyi, Adekunle Adeleke, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Oghenekaro Etebo.

According to Sky Sports, the Chelsea striker is their preferred target but he’s tempted to remain in the Premier League amid interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa and West Ham United.

All three of the Foxes’ trips to Wembley Stadium in 2021 have ended in 1-0 wins, with Iheanacho the scorer of a solitary goal in the FA Cup Semi-Final in April, before his spot-kick this weekend secured Leicester’s second Community Shield success.

Iheanacho, who converted a spot kick in Leicester City three-all draw against QPR, will be aiming to further consolidate on his scoring record.

Iheanacho, who prides himself as Africa’s all-time highest goal sorcerer in the FA Cup, led the celebrations with the Nigerian flag, while his compatriot Ndidi also joined in wrapping the flag around themselves.

Both players made major contributions in Leicester City’s cup run, culminating in the triumphant scenes at Wembley after they edged Chelsea 1-0 to claim a first ever FA Cup title for the club and the duo themselves.

Both players featured in the encounter at Wembley and at the end celebrated enthusiastically with a Nigeria flag as they joined a list of only seven other Nigerian players to have lifted England’s most glamorous diadem.

Youri Tielemans scored a wonder goal and the video assistant referee (VAR) then came to the rescue for Leicester City to win the FA Cup for the first time.

Two Nigerians: Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, both starred in the gruelling match their club won

The Foxes will be taking part in their fifth final as they search for their maiden FA Cup crown, while today’s game represents Chelsea’s 15th appearance in the showpiece event as they seek a ninth triumph.

The result leaves Manchester City 10 points clear of United with just three games left for both teams

Iheanacho, 24, was overlooked by Nigeria for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals after finding himself on the fringes with the Foxes.

The Nigerian so far netted 11 Premier League goals, three goals in the UEFA Europa League and four goals in the FA Cup this season.

Iheanacho, who is the current holder of the award after he won it in March, continued his imperious form for Leicester City this season as he bagged four goals and provided two assists in April as the Foxes maintain its spot in the top 4.

Iheanacho is paired alongside Burnley’s Chris Wood and Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin for the attacking role.