As the call for the graduation of Kelechi Iheanacho to the Super Eagles intensifies, former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade says the Manchester City youngster is ready for the senior side if needed.

Kelechi Iheanacho

The calls to have Iheanacho included in subsequent Super Eagles squads has intensified following his impressive pre-season with the English champions and most recently, Columbus Crew in the USA, which has coincided with a poor run of form by the African champions.

And Ugbade, who is one of the coaches working with Iheanacho at Nigeria’s U20, says the former Taye Academy starlet can do a job with the Eagles.

“Kelechi (Iheanacho) can do a job with the Super Eagles if he’s called, I believe so. He’s such a talented kid and has a bright future ahead of him,” Ugbade said.

The 17-year old hasn’t made Manchester City’s squad for this season’s English Premier League but is still highly regarded at the Etihad especially by manager Manuel Pellegrini.

He won’t be 18 until next month and is yet to feature in a competitive fixture for City.

But Ugbade says in as much as he feels Iheanacho is ready for the Eagles, he’d rather have him grow into it.

“I think he should go through the process before graduating to the Super Eagles. We still have the U20’s and U23’s to come, maybe he should go through these phases first.

“But I am not the coach and I’m sure he knows what he wants. If he feels Kelechi is ready, it is all good. The boy has a very bright future,” Ugbade added.