TheCable

In recent months, Kelechi Iheanacho has been playing like a man reborn. The striker has got his groove back and is banging in the goals for Leicester City, recently winning the English Premier League (EPL) player of the month award.

The forward speaks with TheCable’s REMI SULOLA on his resurgence, the Super Eagles’ chances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Leicester’s Champions League chances, and his first EPL hat-trick.

How does it feel to qualify for another AFCON?

It is a great privilege playing for the Super Eagles and getting to qualify for the AFCON. It’s a great thing of joy and something that the nation is proud of. We are happy to have made that possible, everyone is working hard. We need to focus and prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.

What’s your opinion on the new kid on the block Anayo Iwuala?

I have watched him in training. He is a talented and quality player. He is confident, calm, and makes direct decisions. I think he is someone that will be in the Super Eagles for a long time if he keeps working hard.

What are the chances of the Super Eagles at the upcoming World Cup qualifiers?

It’s not going to be an easy one. World Cup qualifiers are hard. Teams in Africa are hard as well. We need to concentrate, we need to be confident enough and prepare ourselves. We need to work hard to make sure that our games are won. Sometimes, we don’t usually have time to prepare. We just have to make sure that the job is done.

What is the secret of your newfound form?

First of all, God is responsible for my newfound form. I really worked hard to get to this stage. My manager (Brendan Rodgers) helped me a lot. My teammates as well. I am really happy and grateful for the opportunity. I need to really keep working for more and go higher. The target is to concentrate and make sure that the standard doesn’t drop.

What are your expectations for Leicester City this season?

People are expecting a lot, the fans as well. We are taking it one game at a time. There are few games left in the Premier League. Hopefully, we should get the needed points to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. It will be a great achievement if we can propel Leicester City to the Champions League.

You got your first hat-trick in the EPL. Should we hope for more?

I’m happy to have scored a hat-trick in the Premier League. It’s something I have been working towards for so many years. I can’t really describe how I felt that day, it was really emotional.

If you were not playing football, what else will you be doing?

It will only be football. Take football away, it is still going to be football for me.

What kind of music can be found on your playlist?

In no particular order, you can find all sorts of music on my playlist. I listen to all kinds of music.

So, which do you listen to more often?

That should definitely be ‘Most High’ by Flavour N’abania.