‘Even If Na 5-Aside Eagles, I Go Play’: Iheanacho Hits Back At Critics, Reaffirms Eagles Commitment

Super Eagles veteran Kelechi Iheanacho has dismissed suggestions that politics influenced his latest invitation to the national team, insisting his continued commitment to Nigeria is driven by his passion and love for the game.

Speaking in Russia ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, the Turkey-based forward said he has represented Nigeria from the youth ranks through to the senior team and remains ready to answer the call whenever he is invited.

‘I have been in the Super Eagles, in the national team in general, for a long, long time, from Under-12 and 13, to Under-15, Under-17 and all the rest of them to Super Eagles,’ Iheanacho said.

‘I am not coming to the national team because of anybody or because of anything. It is because of the love I have for the game and the passion. It is the dream of everyone to play in the Super Eagles as long as you are Nigerian. I’ve been living that dream for a long, long time.’

Responding to criticism over the inclusion of players from the Turkish league, Iheanacho said he would represent Nigeria regardless of the level.

‘Even if na 5-aside Eagles dey play or whether na Under-15 na him dem invite me say make I come play, I go play. E no matter wetin be because na my passion,’ he said.

‘So anything wey anybody want talk, e no concern me. As long as the coach give me call-up say make I come play, I go come play.’

The forward expressed his delight at being back with the national team and looked forward to Tuesday’s friendly.

‘It’s a thing of joy to be fair and I’m loving it. I’m really happy to be here and I will enjoy it with the boys and hopefully we have a very lovely outing on Tuesday.’

Iheanacho also defended the quality of the Turkish league, where several Nigerian players currently feature, rejecting the perception that it is an easy competition.

‘For me football is the same all over the world. It’s a really good league and it’s not easy as people think. When you come play for that side now you go know whether e dey easy or not,’ he said.

‘If you can say it favours Nigerians, to be fair, but it’s a really good league.’

The Super Eagles held their final training session at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Monday evening, with all invited players taking part in light drills ahead of the 5:00 p.m. WAT kick-off on Tuesday.

Russia vs Nigeria will be streamed live on M4STV and the M4STV App.