Monday, July 20, 2026

Iheanacho to get more time in starting lineup, says Leicester City manager Rodgers

The Super Eagles forward will be replacing first-choice striker Jamie Vardy, who will be out for “a few weeks” after suffering a gluteal injury in training.

• January 28, 2023
Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho [Credit: Sky Sports]

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers on Saturday assured that Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho would now be having a good measure of playing time at the club.

Rodgers gave the assurance while speaking with reporters after Iheanacho spared Leicester City from a potential FA Cup giant-killing.

The Nigeria forward’s second-half goal saw the Foxes beat fourth-tier Walsall 1-0 in their 2022/2023 English FA Cup fourth round match, to advance to the fifth round.

Leicester City beat fourth-tier strugglers Gillingham by a single Iheanacho goal last time out and faced a stern test from a hard-working, high-energy Walsall side.

They were eager to shut out their top-flight opposition and it took 30 minutes for the Foxes to get a shot on target.

A frustrating afternoon was made worse as Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans’ powerful effort from the penalty kick spot struck the post after Patson Daka was fouled.

But second-half substitute Iheanacho rescued Leicester City’s afternoon when his effort from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection off the back of Walsall defender Brandon Comley.

It turning it into a curling, dipping ball that proved too much for the goalkeeper to handle.

Rodgers then disclosed that first-choice striker Jamie Vardy will be out for “a few weeks” after suffering a gluteal injury in training.

But he then said Iheanacho, who has started just once in the league, could get his chance to shine.

“He will get more game time with Vards out for a few weeks. It depends on the type of game we are looking to play,” Rodgers said.

“When he takes his chance he scores. He has made a great impact in the competition since I’ve been here.

“He has been first class, trains virtually every day and is very rarely injured. He sometimes starts games not so good, sometimes he is a little hit and miss.

“But you know when he plays to a high level he is a threat.”

(Reuters/NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang

States

Mutfwang hails Tinubu for approving dualisation of Plateau-Taraba road

Mr Mutfwang particularly thanked Mr Yilwatda for his strategic engagement and commitment to the development of Plateau State at all times.

Peter Obi

NationWide

Obi thanks God @65, donates ₦10 million to rural hospital in Anambra community

Mr Obi expressed gratitude to God and renewed commitment to the service of humanity.

Triumphant Spain

Heading 3

Spain lift 2026 World Cup after beating Messi’s Argentina

The defeat meant that Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates failed to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 64 years.

Map of Kano State

States

Fire service rescues man trapped under collapsed Kano wall

The PRO said that the victim was rescued alive and conveyed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State.

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu

Heading 1

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu for 2027 Ogun governorship race

Mr Adebutu accused successive administrations of denying local governments the financial independence needed to drive development.