Garba: Iheanacho Best as Support Striker Behind Main Forward

Former Nigeria U20 coach Manu Garba has identified Kelechi Iheanacho’s ideal role on the pitch, backing the forward to thrive as a support striker rather than a central striker or midfielder. The insight comes as Iheanacho finds form at Middlesbrough, where he is currently on loan from Sevilla.

After a quiet start to life at the Riverside Stadium, the 27 year old has impressed in recent weeks, recording one goal and two assists in his last three Championship appearances. Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has experimented with Iheanacho in several roles ranging from centre-forward to attacking midfielder but Garba believes the former Golden Eaglets star is most effective playing just behind the main striker.

“He later played behind the main striker, as a supporting striker because his final balls are very good,”  “He creates chances for the strikers and he can also finish well when he gets the chances too. Most of the goals he scored are from that position.”

Iheanacho’s breakthrough came during Nigeria’s victorious campaign at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, where he scored six goals and earned the Golden Ball. His form back then caught the eye of top European clubs, eventually earning him a move to Manchester City.

As Middlesbrough eye a Championship playoff place, all attention will be on how Carrick continues to use the Super Eagles forward and whether that role helps unlock his full potential.

Editorial

We’ve seen many Nigerian footballers shine brightly before fading into the shadows of inconsistency or mismanagement. But Kelechi Iheanacho remains a curious case—a player brimming with talent, yet too often caught in tactical limbo. That’s why Manu Garba’s intervention is timely, necessary, and absolutely spot on.

Iheanacho isn’t just a striker. He’s a creator, a thinker, a footballing mind that thrives in the pockets of space behind the lead attacker. His time at Leicester City gave us flashes of brilliance, but all too often he was either isolated upfront or benched in favour of more traditional number nines. That’s not where his magic happens.

What Garba understands—and what Carrick must embrace—is that positioning is everything for Iheanacho. Give him the space to operate behind a more physical striker, and he’ll deliver. The stats back it up. So does his past—six goals and the Golden Ball at the U17 World Cup didn’t happen by chance.

We believe that with the right tactical role, Iheanacho can still reclaim the narrative of his career. He’s just 27, experienced but not spent, talented but still searching for that perfect fit. If Middlesbrough want to finish strong, Carrick should stop the rotation and trust the vision Garba has reminded us of.

Kelechi’s best is yet to come. But only if he’s played where he belongs.

Did You Know?

1. Iheanacho’s full name is Kelechi Promise Iheanacho—“Kelechi” means “Thank God” in Igbo.
2. He scored on his UEFA Champions League debut for Manchester City in 2016 against Celtic.
3. Iheanacho was the top assist provider at the 2013 U17 World Cup, in addition to being the top scorer.
4. He is one of only two Nigerians to win the Golden Ball at a FIFA youth tournament, the other being Macauley Chrisantus in 2007.
5. Despite being naturally left-footed, Iheanacho is adept at finishing with both feet—a rare trait among modern forwards.