Underused Iheanacho set for spotlight as Sevilla coach makes promise

• Sevilla coach García Pimienta has promised Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho more game time following recent injuries in the squad
• With Chidera Ejuke sidelined, Pimienta believes Iheanacho’s strong work ethic can fill the gap in Sevilla’s attack
• Though Iheanacho has yet to score this season, his coach’s confidence gives him an opportunity to secure a regular spot

Sevilla forward Kelechi Iheanacho is close to a key turning point in his La Liga career. After a challenging start and limited playtime, the Nigerian striker might just get the spotlight he’s been waiting for as head coach García Pimienta has hinted at more minutes on the pitch for Iheanacho. 

The Nigerian forward, known for his promising flashes of talent at Leicester City, now has an opportunity to show Sevilla fans the potential he’s been holding back, thanks to a recent injury in the squad that could shift things in his favour.

With his compatriot Chidera Ejuke sidelined by a severe hamstring injury, Sevilla’s attacking options are running thin. 

The Nigerian international Ejuke, widely celebrated as La Liga’s leading dribbler this season, will be unavailable for at least three months, possibly longer if surgery is required. 

His absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he has been pivotal in Sevilla’s lineup, often dazzling fans with his footwork. However, Pimienta sees an opportunity for Iheanacho to rise and step up where needed most.

“I'm happy with Kelechi; the other day he was going to come onto the pitch, but Suso’s injury happened, and that was a huge impact on us. He’s been training well. The lad deserves to play more minutes,” the coach said in a press conference on Friday, October 25.

Despite Sevilla’s injury setbacks, Pimienta has expressed confidence in Iheanacho, praising his strong work ethic. 

Iheanacho’s performance at Leicester showcased what he can bring to the team, and now it’s his moment to prove himself. 

The former Leicester man has featured in five games this season for Sevilla but hasn’t yet found the back of the net or made an assist. With Sevilla’s struggles in front of goal and Pimienta’s backing, the Nigerian striker can now capitalise on this opportunity.

Iheanacho has faced his share of criticism since arriving on a free transfer. According to Estadio Deportivo, Sevilla could reevaluate his place in the squad if his form doesn’t improve over the coming months. Sevilla fans are however hopeful that the spark he once showed at Leicester will ignite in La Liga.

“The other day, even though the result wasn’t good, I was going to put him in,” Pimienta added, proving a point about his readiness to start the Nigerian forward.  

With his coach’s confidence and a team in need of attacking options, Kelechi Iheanacho has an opportunity to turn things around, move past a slow start, and showcase his worth on the big stage. 

Osimhen becomes most-followed Nigerian footballer on IG, here are the 9 most followed after him

Previously, TheRadar reported that Osimhen’s growing social media presence can be attributed to his electrifying performances for his new club, especially his assist run in his last three games. 

After his record-setting loan move to Galatasaray, Osimhen’s follower count surged dramatically, proving his growing popularity among fans around the world. Within two weeks of the transfer, the 25-year-old saw his Instagram followers increase by 848,000, making him Nigeria’s leading most-followed personality in football.