Why I have not used Kelechi at AFCON — Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro opens up

Nigeria's Jose Peseiro has explained his reason for not using playing players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Francis Uzoho, Ahmed Musa, and Terem Moffi in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. 

Peseiro has brought a squad of 25 players to the tournament, with Iheanacho in particular expected to play a key role for the Super Eagles. 

Despite arriving with a knock, the Leicester City man has been available for selection since the second game against hosts Ivory Coast.

When asked about his players at AFCON, Peseiro said:

“Till now we have not played several players including Kelechi.

 “I would like to put all of them; even if the referee allows me, I put 25 on the pitch but he doesn’t allow it.

"The main point here, and my players know, is our team, the Super Eagles. 

“They deserve to play but I cannot replace more than five; I cannot start more than 11.”