Iheanacho's Hope For Replacement Dashed As CAF Certifies Kalu Fit

Kelechi Iheanacho won’t be replacing Samuel Kalu in the Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2019 after Kalu was certified fit to play by the medical team of the Confederation of Africa Football ( CAF).

Kalu slumped during yesterday’s training session and was rushed to the hospital where it was confirmed that he suffered from dehydration and not a heart attack as widely reported by some media outlets.

Although he has been passed fit to play, coach of the Nigerian team Gernot Rohr has omitted him from his starting lineup for the opening game against Burundi later today , Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Iheanacho who was dropped from the squad for the tournament was placed on standby for Kalu if the test results proved he can’t play in the tournament. Team officials already contacted the Leicester City forward to get set to join the team.

His hopes were however dashed when Kalu took part in the team’s pre-match walk earlier today and will play some part in the game against Burundi if called up by coach Gernot Rohr.