Former Nigeria coach Eguavoen reveals why he benched Leicester striker Iheanacho against Ghana in Abuja

Former Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has lifted the lid on why he benched Leicester striker Iheanacho against Ghana in the return of the 2022 FIFA World final play-offs.

According to Eguavoen, Iheanacho who started from the bench in the Super Eagles game against Ghana because he failed to follow instructions in Kumasi.

Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Tuesday, hence the Black Stars sealed qualification on the away goals rule.

Ghana’s qualification denied Nigeria a fourth successive outing at the World Cup finals.

“Iheanacho, you saw him a few days ago, his performance against Manchester United and people were saying Iheanacho stayed too long on that field,” Eguavoen said on Monday Night Football on SuperSport.

“In Kumasi, we gave Iheanacho a specific role. In as much as he’s going to go up there and support [Victor] Osimhen, he has a duty to perform by stopping Thomas Partey.

“Since he didn’t do that, I spoke with him. I told him he’ll start from the bench and at some point he’ll come in.”

The winger, however, played a vital role for his club, scoring the goal that forced Manchester United to a 1-1 draw, prompting some to question why he did not get a chance to feature for Nigeria in the second leg..