Iheanacho insists he’s not retiring from Super Eagles despite WCQ omission threat

DDM News

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has declared that he has no plans to retire from international football anytime soon.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Leicester City striker remains confident in his ability to contribute to the national team’s success.

In a statement credited to him by Soccernet.ng, Iheanacho expressed deep passion and commitment toward representing Nigeria on the global football stage.

He said playing for the country gives him a deep sense of fulfillment and pride as a professional athlete.

Despite his recent omission rumours, Iheanacho maintains that only a lack of invitation could stop his appearances for Nigeria.

“I have a lot to offer to my country, and I love doing this,” Iheanacho told the media.

“Playing for Nigeria makes me feel fulfilled as a footballer. I have no plans to retire now.”

However, current Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is reportedly considering dropping Iheanacho from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

According to insider reports, Chelle is planning to inject more youthful energy into the team’s attacking options.

The final squad list for the qualifiers is expected to be released later this week, with camping set to begin shortly afterward.

Iheanacho, nicknamed “Senior Man,” has faced limited playing time at club level under Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick.

The forward has failed to register a goal in his last five matches, raising concerns about his form ahead of the qualifiers.

Despite his club struggles, Iheanacho remains optimistic about his national team future and believes he is still capable of performing at top level.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the Super Eagles, stating that his passion for the national colours is unwavering.

“I cherish my nation so much,” Iheanacho added.

“Each time there is an opportunity to show love for Nigeria, I will never decline.”

While he acknowledged the rise of younger talents in the team, Iheanacho insisted that he remains a key player in the mix.

“We have a lot of wonderful young talents now, but everyone knows I am still very active in football,” he said.

The 27-year-old forward has been a part of the national team setup since his youth, playing in various age-grade tournaments before joining the senior team.

He made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 and has since scored several important goals for Nigeria in major competitions.

Under former coaches like Gernot Rohr and Jose Peseiro, Iheanacho was considered an integral part of the Super Eagles attack.

But with Eric Chelle at the helm, changes appear inevitable as he reshuffles the squad ahead of crucial World Cup matches.

The coach has made it clear he wants a more dynamic and youthful team capable of executing high-press football.

This decision has left some of the older players, including Iheanacho, uncertain about their international futures.

Despite this, Iheanacho’s firm declaration has endeared him to many fans who appreciate his patriotism and humility.

Some supporters took to social media to express hope that the striker would make the final cut for the qualifiers.

Others praised his resolve to continue fighting for his place rather than opting for early retirement.

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign is set to begin soon, and the team is expected to face stiff competition in the group stages.

Chelle’s choices will determine whether experience or youth leads the Eagles in the quest for a return to the World Cup.

As fans await the official squad announcement, Iheanacho’s future remains one of the most discussed topics in Nigerian football.

Regardless of the decision, the former Manchester City striker says he will remain supportive of the national team’s ambitions.

“I will always support Nigeria whether I’m on the pitch or not,” he assured.

“I want the best for this country in every competition.”

With preparations for the qualifiers intensifying, attention now shifts to Eric Chelle’s final squad list and the strategies he intends to deploy.

The inclusion or exclusion of Iheanacho could signal the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s football landscape.

Nonetheless, his unwavering loyalty to the Super Eaglesis a reminder that true patriotism extends beyond the starting eleven.

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