Iheanacho Faces Backlash After Alleged Confrontation with Sevilla Fan Amidst AFCON Preparations
Kelechi Iheanacho, the Nigerian striker currently playing for Sevilla, has found himself in hot water after a fan accused him of a tense confrontation in a car park following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Leganes in La Liga. Iheanacho, who had played 73 minutes in the match, was allegedly confronted by Sevilla supporters Alvaro Palmero and Carlos Romero after the loss.
Palmero, frustrated by the team’s poor form, claims he approached Iheanacho, who was laughing with a club employee and a friend, and questioned his attitude by asking, “What’s so funny after a loss?” According to Palmero, Iheanacho did not ignore the fans but responded, with the situation reportedly only diffused due to the restraint of those accompanying the striker.
Palmero further accused one of Iheanacho’s associates of insulting the fans in a foreign language. The upset supporter expressed his frustrations on social media, questioning Iheanacho’s commitment to the team, especially given his lack of goals in La Liga since joining Sevilla.
Iheanacho’s time at Sevilla has been challenging, with the striker struggling to make an impact, failing to score in 13 La Liga appearances. Sevilla, sitting 13th in the league standings with just 15 points, has also faced a rough season.
As Iheanacho prepares to join the Super Eagles for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, the confrontation adds further scrutiny to his form both on and off the field. With Nigeria needing only a draw to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON, Iheanacho’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to contribute to his nation’s success.