Interim head coach of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, has opened up on his decision to hand out-of-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho a call-up ahead of Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare.

Iheanacho, who has not scored for both club and country in 2024, featured prominently in the 23-man squad invited by Eguavoen for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers doubleheader against Libya.

Many fans have criticized the call-up of the 28-year-old ahead of other in-form strikers, including Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers and Genk’s Tolu Arokodare.

Dessers, who last featured for the Super Eagles in the friendly against Ghana in March, is Rangers’ top scorer this season with seven goals.

Arokodare is also in fine form for Belgian side Genk, having netted six goals this season.

Speaking on his decision to invite the Sevilla forward, Eguavoen cited Iheanacho’s experience as the reason behind his decision.

“I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time,” Eguavoen said, as per Afrik-Foot.

“I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker.”

Nigeria will take on Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, October 11, before traveling away for the return encounter on Tuesday, October 15.