Iheanacho opens up on Super Eagles return ahead of Russia friendly
Bursaspor of Turkey striker Kelechi Iheanacho has opened up on his long absence from the national team ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly game against Russia.
Iheanacho who makes a return to the national team set up after being left out of recent squads said that coming to the back is not because of anybody but because of the love he has for the game.
The 30-year-old striker who was recalled to the Super Eagles fold after an explosive start with Bursaspor in the second tier of Turkish football, said that he has been living that dream for a long time to play in the national team from the junior level up to the senior level.
“I have been in the Super Eagles in general for a long time, starting from the U-12, U-13 to U-15, U-17 to Super Eagles so I have been very long here,” Iheanacho told NFF TV.
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“I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody but because of the love I have for the game and the passion. It’s the dream of everyone to play in the Super Eagles as long as you are Nigerian and I’ve been living that dream for a long time to play in the national team from the junior level up to here.
“Even if it’s five-a-side or U-15 the Eagles are playing and I’m invited I will play, it doesn’t matter because it’s my passion. So it’s a thing of joy and I’m very happy to be here and hopefully we will have lovely outing on Tuesday.” The player predicted.
The former Manchester City striker has scored no fewer than 11 goals and two assists in just eight league games for his Turkish club.
Iheanacho who has reportedly impressed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle with his sharpness and clinical finishing in camp is expected to lead the forward line alongside Akor Adams as Nigeria take on Russia in an international friendly game scheduled for Tuesday, October, 6, 2026, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
