Is the Iheanacho recovery coming at the right time for Nigeria?

The Super Eagles certainly need firepower as the final Africa Cup of Qualifiers approaches

Despite an abundance of resources – on paper – Nigeria’s attack doesn’t look particularly healthy given the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualification.

Victor Osimhen’s troubles at Napoli are well documented and he has suffered another setback as the season draws to a close.

Even without his fitness problems, the Eagles number one striker has only scored two goals in Serie A this season as he has had a hard time impressing in the top Italian league.

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Elsewhere, Paul Onuachu has scored a goal in Belgium but he barely looked like a good fit after receiving some playing time from Gernot Rohr last season, while Cyriel Dessers is a shadow of his former self at Genk.

Emmanuel Dennis has yet to start after his encouraging performances last season, while Terem Moffi has no international experience despite his good prospects.

The speech of Odion Ighalo returning to the international league is understandable but tells its own story regarding Nigeria’s current strike options.

Should an aging front man currently operating in Saudi Arabia who haven’t scored a single league goal at Manchester United really be seen as a solution for Nigeria?

In this context, the rise in form of Kelechi Iheanacho should be celebrated in Leicester City.

The killer continued his most recent goal against Brighton & Hove Albion – the winner of a 1-0 win – with a goal against Burnley on Wednesday night and found the net in style after being picked by Wilfred Ndidi.

With Jamie Vardy struggling at the moment, Iheanacho provided rare evidence that he can be a solution for the East Midlanders, and his delicious finish should give him much-needed confidence before the enema.

Jamie Vardy Leicester 2020-21

The Nigerian has now scored three goals in his last six games, having previously scored 14 goals in all competitions – for club and country – without finding the net.

The striker now has to prove that it wasn’t just another false dawn. After all, he has scored six goals in three games in October and November and will have to maintain his recent form to change a poor goal record at King Power Stadium.

He seems to be enjoying playing away after scoring two goals in his last three away starts, just one less than in his last 15 away games outside the Foxes, although consistency will be key for the future.

Iheanacho has given hope that he can handle the burden during an increasingly barren period for Vardy (a goal in 2021) during Leicester’s enema. Can he also stand up for a country that needs him right now?

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