Flying Eagles Maul Korea DPR without Kelechi Iheanacho | Why the Youngster must now Fight for a Shirt

Manu Garba may have seen it himself as well as listen to Nigerian fans, that the automatic shirt granted to Kelechi Iheanacho in Flying Eagles' game against Brazil may have been the disconnect.

Iheanacho is a good player no doubt, but it was wrong to hand over to him the role of a play-maker in a team he hasn't been with for over a year or so. It was difficult for him to coordinate the flow of play as well as harmonize the rhythm of the current team.

Good, the correction was made. Nigeria U20 head coach made four changes that seems to stabilize the team play against Korea DPR. Kingsley Sokari controlling the pace of the game as a play-maker of the Nigerian side, put so much pressure on the crowded midfield and defense line of the Koreans.

But Garba's tactical changes at half time paid off with the introduction of two super-sub. Godwin Saviour got into the game and scored two quick goals in less than 6 minutes into the second half. Then Isaac Success came in and added the fourth goal. Sokari had scored the third goal before then, in the 60th minute.

 Obviously, with Flying Eagles defeating Korea DPR 4 - 0 without Iheanacho, it may be difficult for the Youngster to break into the team again and even gain a permanent shirt as expected by most football followers across the world.

Iheanacho was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and second highest goal scorer at FIFA U16 World Cup in 2013. He has been in great form and did so well for Manchester City Youth team last season. In fact, he is one of the players expected to shine at this tournament.

Unfortunately, his absence in the team for that long has left a gap, which another players may have covered.  Iheanacho needs time to properly integrate into this Flying Eagles' team. Well, the real challenge for him maybe there are equally talented players in team ready to keep their place and coach Garba may not have need to bring him into the games.

We are hoping Flying Eagles will qualify from the Group stage and go all the way to the finals. There will be opportunity for everyone in the 23 man squad to contribute their own quota. Perhaps, when the 'jungle marture' there maybe need to take a second look at the prodigious skills and experience of Iheamacho.