U-20 AYC: Kelechi Iheanacho tips Flying Eagles for success

Babalola Tomiwa

Manchester City youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho has tipped the Flying Eagles of Nigeria for success at the U-20 CAF African Youth Championship in Senegal kicking off this Sunday.

 The 18-year old, who was a member of the Manu Garba-led U-17 team that won the world cup in Dubai in 2013 was ruled out of the championship due to a disappointing injury, but has expressed that he wishes them success in the championship.

Nigeria are in Group A with host country, Senegal, Congo and Cote d’Ivoire, and they will kick start their campaign on March 8 against Senegal, before playing Congo and Cote d’Ivoire on MArch 11 and 14 respectively.

The Flying Eagles are made up of mostly the U-17 team that won the FIFA U-17 world cup at the United Arab Emirate in 2013, but Iheanacho has said he was said he could not team up with his colleagues to give Nigeria the U-20 AYC title.

Kelechi Iheanacho@67Kelechi “God bless the coaching staff of Manu Garba, the players and Nigeria in pursuit of an U20 World Cup birth.”

“I have fantastic memories of helping Nigeria win the U17 World Cup two years ago.”

“Whilst it is disappointing not to be with my team-mates on this occasion, I’ll be closely following their progress and supporting from afar.”

“I am working hard on my game but I am only just available for selection again after returning from an injury.”

“Although the coach has decided not to select me for the African Championships, I understand he needs to pick players who are fully fit.”