Kelechi Iheanacho has broken his silence on his recent challenges at Sevilla and with the Nigerian national team, admitting the difficulty of maintaining peak performance amid mounting criticism.

The 28-year-old forward, who joined Sevilla on a free transfer this summer, has yet to find his form in La Liga. Despite being a standout player at Leicester City, Iheanacho’s transition to Spanish football has been fraught with difficulty. In seven league appearances for Sevilla, he has yet to register a goal or assist and has spent most of the season warming the bench.

Frustrations on the International Stage

Iheanacho’s struggles have extended to his international career. During Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, the Super Eagles talisman delivered underwhelming performances. Nigeria managed only a 1-1 draw against Benin before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda. Iheanacho was substituted at halftime in both matches, sparking criticism from fans and raising doubts about his place in the national squad.

Reflecting on these performances, Iheanacho acknowledged the challenges he’s facing and the misconception that football is easy.
“When you are not at your best, at your peak, then you look very tough,” Iheanacho explained. “In general, football is not simple. Probably everyone will say that it is easy. Obviously, the way we play makes it look easy. But it is not because there is a lot of hard work to do, both in training and in matches,” he said, as quoted by TribalFootball.

The international break offers a moment for Iheanacho to regroup, with a chance to prove himself as Sevilla faces Rayo Vallecano next. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he can rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting forwards during his Leicester City days.

As the pressure mounts, Iheanacho’s response on and off the pitch will determine whether he can silence his critics and reclaim his place among football’s elite.