Kelechi Iheanacho Snubs Okocha, Kanu, Names Brazilian Icon As His Footballing Hero

• Kelechi Iheanacho says Brazilian and Barcelona star Ronaldinho was his biggest football idol when he was growing up
• The Super Eagles attacker says the Brazilian's style of play and confidence was what inspired him the most
• Iheanacho is part of the Super Eagles team bidding to secure Nigeria's 7th World Cup appearance as they take on Ghana in the play-offs

Super Eagles attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho has snubbed fellow countrymen, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu as his favorite footballing idol.

The 25-year-old rather revealed his favorite football hero is former Barcelona and Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho.

According to a report via Soccernet, Iheanacho says Ronaldinho's confidence and style of play made him fall in love with football.

“Growing up I loved Ronaldinho.

“I loved his style of play, confidence, and way he loved football. The way he dribbled, the way he played his passes, his touches. He is one of the greatest players of all time.”

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Ronaldinho had stints with PSG and AC Milan but gained world recognition in his time at Barcelona where he won the UEFA Champions League title in 2016.

The Brazilian also was voted as the FIFA World Player of the Year twice and also won the Ballon d’Or twice in his 22-year playing career.

Iheanacho Pumped Up For Tough Ghana Clash

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho has admitted the World Cup play-offs against Ghana will be a tough test for the Super Eagles.

According to Complete Sports, the 25-year-old revealed the Black Stars have a good team strong enough to cause an upset but insists Nigeria will qualify for the World Cup.

Nigeria will battle for a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Ghana hosting the first leg on Friday, March 25.

Super Eagles star downplays rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Ademola Lookman says there is nothing big or special in the rivalry between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana ahead of the World Cup play-off.

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The Leicester City forward is among the Super Eagles stars who traveled to Ghana for the first leg clash and he could make his international debut for the three-time African champions.

Many things have been said ahead of this encounter with some football followers claiming that Ghana has the edge over the Super Eagles considering their head-to-head record.