Iheanacho seeks No. 10 role ahead of Afcon qualifier vs Rwanda

Ahead of Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda in Uyo, Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed a preference to play as a traditional No. 10 for the national team. The forward, currently at Sevilla, shared his views following a challenging outing against Benin, where he was deployed as a striker and substituted at halftime.

Reflecting on his career, Iheanacho noted his success in an advanced playmaker role during the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, where he provided seven assists as the Golden Eaglets claimed victory. However, since transitioning to professional football in Europe, he has primarily been positioned as a goalscorer.

In a statement to the Super Eagles media team, Iheanacho emphasised his adaptability but reaffirmed his preference for the No. 10 role. “For me personally, in the national team, I would like to be a proper No. 10. At the club level, I am mostly a No. 9, but in the national team, No. 10 is my best position,” he explained.

Despite the challenges of finding his ideal position, Iheanacho has made an impact with the Super Eagles, registering 15 goals and 8 assists in 55 appearances.

Editorial

Kelechi Iheanacho’s desire to redefine his role within the Super Eagles reflects a broader conversation about player positioning and team dynamics in modern football. His preference for the No. 10 role suggests a need for tactical flexibility that balances individual strengths with team strategy.

The role of a playmaker is crucial in unlocking defences, especially in high stakes matches like those in the Africa Cup of Nations. Iheanacho’s vision, technical ability, and experience make him well suited for the role, but the challenge lies in aligning his skill set with the team’s tactical needs.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen faces the delicate task of optimising Iheanacho’s contributions while maintaining a cohesive system. A successful implementation could not only enhance Iheanacho’s performance but also strengthen the Super Eagles’ attack, making them more versatile and unpredictable.

Ultimately, this dialogue highlights the importance of communication between players and coaches in achieving team success. By listening to players like Iheanacho and adapting strategies accordingly, the Super Eagles can unlock their full potential and continue their pursuit of football excellence.

Did You Know?

1. Kelechi Iheanacho won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, marking him as the tournament’s best player.
2. Iheanacho has played in multiple positions for both club and country, including striker, winger, and attacking midfielder.
3. The No. 10 role traditionally signifies the playmaker position, responsible for creating scoring opportunities and linking midfield to attack.
4. Iheanacho’s preferred position aligns with his style of play during his youth career, where he excelled at setting up goals.
5. The Super Eagles have a rich history of legendary No. 10s, including Jay-Jay Okocha, whose creativity and skill defined Nigerian football’s golden era.