AFCON 2023: Iheanacho Clashes With Peseiro Ahead of Nigeria vs South Africa Tie

• Kelechi Iheanacho is reportedly not on good terms with Jose Peseiro
• The forward has not been handed playing time at the Africa Cup of Nations
• Iheanacho is expected to be named on the bench against South Africa

All apparently is not well in the Super Eagles camp ahead of their semi-final clash versus South Africa, as there is a reported rift between forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Nigeria’s coach Jose Peseiro.

The Leicester City forward was included in Nigeria’s 25-man squad, but the 27-year-old has not been handed playing time since the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

According to the Daily Post, Iheanacho missed Nigeria’s presser ahead of their clash against Bafana Bafana due to his dissatisfaction at being left out of the Super Eagles squad by Peseiro.

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The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) had earlier announced the 27-year-old would appear alongside Peseiro for the press conference, but he was nowhere to be found and was replaced by defender Ola Aina.

Iheanacho, who had battled with fitness issues since arriving at the Super Eagles camp, has been named on the bench for four consecutive matches as Peseiro struggles to fit him in into his new 3-4-3 formation.

Injured Ndidi supports Super Eagles

Meanwhile, Wilfred Ndidi has wished the Super Eagles success as they prepare to get victory against South Africa in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 7.

The Leicester City midfielder, who was named in Nigeria’s AFCON squad, pulled out of the competition after sustaining an injury just days before the start of the competition in Ivory Coast.

Ndidi took to the social media app X (formerly Twitter) to send his message to the Super Eagles hours before kickoff as they sought to book a spot in the final.

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Kanu wants AFCON title for Nigeria

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nwankwo Kanu insists the Africa Cup of Nations trophy is for Nigeria and urged the Super Eagles to go all out in their remaining two games in the semi-final and final.

The Super Eagles, bidding to win the AFCON for the fourth time, will tackle Bafana Bafana in the semi-final in Boauke later on Wednesday.

Nigeria won the AFCON in 1980, 1994, and 2003 and will be aiming to be crowned as winners again.