SCORENigeria can exclusively report that free agent Kelechi Iheanacho will not start today’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin after he disappointed against South Africa at the weekend.
Iheanacho started in attack against Bafana Bafana Friday in Uyo, but he struggled to get into the game before he was eventually hauled off for Samuel Chukwueze in the 66th minute.
“Players do have a bad day, he did not get into the game quickly. He will bounce back,” coach Finidi George defended the former Leicester City striker after a 1-1 draw with South Africa.
Chukwueze is now likely to start against Benin today after he has put behind him his injury worries.
The other option in the absence of Iheanacho would be Turkey-based Ibrahim Olawoyin, who has impressed in training in Uyo.
Olawoyin has shone in the Turkish Super Lig this past season, but he has yet to be capped by the Super Eagles.
