Benedict Akwuegbu, a silver medalist from the 2000 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), has urged Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro to include Leicester City player Kelechi Iheanacho in the lineup for their quarter-final match against Angola on Friday.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akwuegbu expressed his belief that the Super Eagles performed well in their match against Cameroon but emphasized the importance of playing more cohesively as a team and strengthening the midfield.
According to Akwuegbu, the team has considerable talent, and with the right approach, they could go far in the tournament and potentially win it.
He highlighted the need for Kelechi Iheanacho's experience to alleviate the goal-scoring pressure on Victor Osimhen, the lone striker.
Akwuegbu acknowledged Osimhen's goal-scoring capabilities and creativity but stressed that the pressure on him as the sole striker is overwhelming. He recommended bringing in Iheanacho, suggesting that he could play behind Osimhen or take on the role of an attacking midfielder.
Drawing on historical examples, Akwuegbu pointed out that in successful AFCON campaigns, Nigeria often utilized two strikers, as seen during Rashidi Yekini's era or in 2013 with Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike. He argued that giving Osimhen more support in the form of another striker or an attacking midfielder with a goal-scoring instinct would alleviate the burden and increase the team's offensive options.
Akwuegbu emphasized that adopting a tactical approach with Iheanacho's inclusion could enhance the Super Eagles' chances of success against Angola and alleviate the scoring pressure on Victor Osimhen.
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