1. Lig: Kelechi Iheanacho scores again and reignites competition for a place with the Super Eagles

Kelechi Iheanacho is continuing to rediscover his form in Turkey. The Nigerian striker scored again on Sunday for Bursaspor against Esenler Erokspor, helping his team secure a 2-2 draw in the 1. Lig.

The 29-year-old’s start to the season contrasts with the more difficult period he experienced in recent months. After spells with Leicester City, Sevilla FC, Middlesbrough and Celtic, Iheanacho joined Bursaspor this summer in an effort to revive his career. He quickly established himself as one of the club’s main attacking assets.

Bursaspor now occupy a prominent position in the league, with Iheanacho playing a direct role in the team’s strong run. His performances have also put him at the top of the 1. Lig scoring charts.

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A door left open with Nigeria

His attacking efficiency comes at a time when his situation with the Super Eagles is changing. Iheanacho has been provisionally invited by Eric Chelle for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, after previously slipping down the pecking order among Nigeria’s attacking options. According to OwnGoal Nigeria, the invitation currently leaves him waiting for a possible place in the final squad.

Competition remains particularly fierce. Victor Osimhen remains the leading option in attack when available, while Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers and Rafiu Durosinmi are also competing for a place in the attacking department. CAF had already highlighted the depth of the attacking options available to Chelle.

Iheanacho has therefore not yet regained the status of an undisputed starter for Nigeria. But his performances with Bursaspor are gradually changing the picture. Being called up is no longer enough: he must now convince the coach that his form in Turkey deserves a place in the pecking order among the national team’s strikers.

For a player who has gone through several club changes in recent seasons, this consistency has come at the right time. Bursaspor is giving him, above all, what he had been lacking recently: regular playing time, responsibility and goals.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Bursaspor

Esenler Erokspor

1. Lig Turkey