Leicester’s Nigerian striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has hit 15 goals in his last 17 games and has an outstanding record in FA Cup ties, finding the net 14 times in his last 19 appearances in the competition.
Iheanacho had fired the Foxes to their first shot at the final since 1969 thanks to a 55th minute strike to pip Southampton 1-0 in the semi-final.
To pull of an FA Cup triumph – the first in the Foxes’ history – Brendan Rodger’s men will need to find a way through Chelsea’s stubborn defence.
Under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have kept 19 clean sheets in 26 games.
Despite failing to add to his 11 Premier League goals at Old Trafford on Tuesday, Iheanacho, 24, still played an important tactical role in his side’s victory over Manchester United.
Although, Iheanacho in turn have an affinity with the FA Cup, scoring more goals (14) than any other player since debuting in the competition in January 2016.
“The FA Cup loves me and I love the FA Cup,’ said Iheanacho. ‘I was in the right place at the right time. I’ve been unlucky in the past few years but it’s working out well now and I need to go to the next level,” Iheanacho said after helping Leicester reach their first final appearance in over 50 years.
Iheanacho surpassed Didier Drogba’s 12-goal haul this year to become the highest-scoring African in the tournament’s history.
Given how the Chelsea legend dominated the latter stages of this competition, especially at Wembley, Iheanacho will be confident enough emulate Drogba against the Ivorian’s former club.
Iheanacho’s incredible rise has since seen the Foxes depend on the Nigerian to guide them to success in the competition; something no one saw coming, owing to how low he had fallen at Leicester before the turn of the year.
Victory at the iconic Wembley Stadium would see the Nigerian duo of Iheanacho and Wilferd Ndidi join their compatriots who have also won the prestigious competition with their respective clubs.
Ex-internationals – Daniel Amokachi, Celestine Babayaro, Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka all won the world’s oldest club competition during their playing careers.
Former Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi have also lifted the trophy.
