Ex-International,
Celestine Babayaro, on Thursday in Abuja made a case for the inclusion
of Kelechi Iheanacho in the Super Eagles team.
The former
Super Eagles’ defender told the News Agency of Nigeria that Coach
Stephen Keshi should give the Manchester City youngster, Iheanacho, a
chance in the Eagles team.
NAN
recalls that Iheanacho was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2013
Under-17 World Cup after scoring six goals, including one in the final,
as Nigeria triumphed in the United Arab Emirates.
Following
his success, he signed a pre-contract agreement with the Manchester City
FC of England and scored a goal in his debut for the premier league
club in a 4-1 pre-season friendly win against Sporting Kansas City in
New York.
According
to Babayaro, the former Golden Eaglets player is ripe to be in the Super
Eagles team because “he is a special and an exceptional talent.”
“I got into the Super Eagles’ team at a very young age and Iheanacho is a young man who is an outstanding player.
“I have
watched him play and I don’t see any reason why Keshi can’t try him and
see what he can offer to the senior national team.
“The likes
of Pele, Diego Maradonna, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi all started playing
for their senior national teams at a very young age,” he said.
The former
Chelsea FC and Newcastle FC of England defender noted that the fact
that Manchester City FC bought Iheanacho showed that he possessed an
exceptional ability.
“Do you
think Manchester City bought him for nothing; of course they saw
something in him and that was why they quickly acquired his services.
“So, I
think Iheanacho is mature enough and fit to make his debut for the
senior national team if and when he is called up,” he said.
NAN reports that Iheanacho will be 18 on October 3.
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