Kelechi Iheanacho Gears Up for Crucial Clash In AFCON Group Stage

Leicester City’s forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has declared his readiness for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2023 AFCON group stage match against hosts Ivory Coast.  Despite arriving late to the camp due to fitness concerns, Iheanacho was spotted training with the team ahead of the clash scheduled for Thursday, January 18, at 6 p.m. Having sustained an injury while playing for Leicester in December, Iheanacho faced doubts about his participation in Ivory Coast.  Coach Jose Peseiro opted to bench him in the Eagles’ recent 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea on January 14. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Iheanacho emphasized his readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s success, stating, “I am feeling really good… I am 100% ready to serve the country.” Acknowledging the challenges, he added, “We want to go all the way in this AFCON, but we have to take it one game at a time. We just need to keep working hard and keep believing.” Looking ahead to the crucial clash against Ivory Coast, Iheanacho highlighted the need for thorough preparation, recognizing the strength of the host team.  “Going into the next game, we need to be ready to face the Ivorians. They are the hosts, and they are going to go out strong. So, we need to be well-prepared to face them.”

3 Die As OPC, Amotekun Clash In Oyo

A violent clash which erupted in Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, involving multiple groups including the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Amotekun, Operation Burst, Soludero, and a group of herdsmen, has resulted in three dead and many casualties. The cause of the conflict remains unknown. Confirming the clash, a prominent titled Chief in the community revealed that the turmoil began when a group of herdsmen invaded a local farm with their cattle, leading to a dispute that tragically claimed the life of the farm’s owner. Responding to the escalating situation, combined security forces consisting of Operation Burst, OPC, Amotekun, and Soludero were called in to restore peace to the area.  Reports suggest that these security operatives were ambushed by the herdsmen during their intervention efforts. The exact number of casualties resulting from this conflict is yet to be determined, as the situation continues to develop.