- The Man City star has apologized following his poor performance in Nigeria's 2-0 defeat to South Africa
- The Super Eagles forward was replaced in the 70th minute by Kayode Olanrewaju, having failed to impress
- Kelechi has vowed to do better in Nigeria's next competitive game against AFCON champions Cameroon
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has apologized to Nigerians following his poor performance against South Africa in the opening game of the AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria suffered a huge setback as they were defeated by Bafana Bafana in the opening game of the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers on June 10, 2017, at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Top Nigerian coach reveals WHY Super Eagles lost to Bafana Bafana
Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau scored two second half goals for South Africa as the Eagles were defeated 2 - 0 by their rivals.
Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Manchester City star was replaced in the 70th minute by Kayode Olanrewaju, having failed to impress in front of goal in that match.
Iheanacho expressed regrets at his reaction on the touchline when he was substituted following the poor display.
He has vowed to do better in Nigeria's next competitive game against reigning AFCON champions Cameroon in the third round of the World Cup Qualifier in August, 2017.
Kelechi Iheanacho in action for Nigeria.
PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest sport news on NAIJ.com Sports App
The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner said: “Of course, we are not going to be happy and Nigerians are not happy as well that we lost,”
“We are not happy especially when we lost on our home ground. I’m sad already that we lost such an important game."
“I wish to apologise too for the way I reacted when I was substituted. I did it for myself because as a striker I should have at least got at least shot on target."
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrating a goal for Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Miracle Okocha: Meet Nigeria's next Jay Jay
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. That’s why I was angry with myself. I wish to apologise to the manager, the coach and the Nigeria Football Federation for my action. That’s not me.
“For our next game, I believe we will come back stronger and better against Cameroon. I will improve my performance,” he added.
Meanwhile, you can see NAIJ.com's video of the Super Eagles training ahead of the World Cup qualifiers;