Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has come under massive criticism over his decision to leave out Kelechi Iheanacho from his recent call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

With the likes of Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Al Ittihad's George Ilenikhena ruled out of the team due to injuries, fans were looking forward to seeing Kelechi Iheanacho in Eric Chelle's 24-man squad for the Tanzania double-header.

Despite his rich vein of form in Turkey, the former Leicester City forward was overlooked by the Malian tactician, a decision which has raised eyebrows among fans and former players alike.

Chelle instead opted for an attack comprising Tolu Arokodare of Ajax, Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid, Taiwo Awoniyi of Coventry City, Moses Simon of Paris FC and Moses Usor of LASK.

Iheanacho is the most in-form Nigerian player in Europe this season, registering 17 goals and providing three assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.

Despite playing in the second tier of the Turkish league, former international Abiodun Obafemi believes Iheanacho's form should have given him a place in Chelle's call-up.

"Well, he's a player we know very well who part of the national team for a while has been. It doesn't matter if he's in the second division or anywhere else.

"His scoring form should always be the yardstick, and we are all seeing what he is doing so far this season, so I think he should be there, even as Osimhen is absent with injury," Obafemi said.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sylvanus Okpala also believes that Iheanacho's current form should have earned him a place in the team.

"Well, the coach is always the one who decides, and he must have his reasons surrounding how he wants the team to play and operate under his tactics that led to Iheanacho missing out. I wonder why as well. It is the coach that we will have to ask.

"His performance in Europe should have earned him a spot in the final list, but it is up to him to continue banging in his goals and maybe he'll get a call-up next time," Okpala said.

WDN