Kelechi Iheanacho looking forward to facing Lionel Messi

Iheanacho looking forward to facing Messi
© SilverHub
Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho reveals that he is looking forward to taking on 'idol' Lionel Messi at the 2018 World Cup.

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed that he is looking forward to taking on 'idol' Lionel Messi at the 2018 World Cup.

The African nation will lock horns with Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in the group stages of this summer's tournament in Russia.

Iheanacho is keen to have the "memory" of playing against the Barcelona forward, but the Leicester City attacker is hopeful that his country will "get something" from the clash.

"I've had the opportunity to train with him when I was at the [Manchester] City Academy and he is something else," Iheanacho told LCFC TV.

"I hope we get something against them and he's going to play, so it's going to be something good, a memory to play against Messi. He's one of my idols so I look up to him.

"He's so many people's idol in the world so he's a player you like to play with, to learn something, of course, so I will be happy to play against him. Of course, after 90 minutes, we'll see what happens and hopefully we'll get something."

Nigeria will open their 2018 World Cup tournament against Croatia on June 16, and will also face Iceland before finishing their group campaign against Argentina on June 26.

Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Nigeria name provisional WC squad
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
LIVE SCORES VIDEPRINTER
expand