Kelechi Iheanacho’s remarkable season in Turkey shows no sign of slowing down. The Super Eagles striker scored again on Sunday as Bursaspor came from 2-2 at half-time to beat Keçiörengücü 4-2, keeping alive a scoring streak that has already rewritten the Turkish record books.
The goal was his 16th of the season, and he has also added three assists. But the news from the Nigeria camp was not all good, as winger Samuel Chukwueze is set for a spell on the sidelines just as the Super Eagles prepare for two crucial qualifiers against Tanzania.
Another Goal, Another Record Extended
With the game level at the break, Iheanacho struck five minutes after the restart, cutting past two defenders before firing past the goalkeeper to put Bursaspor ahead. They went on to win 4-2.
The goal extended a run that has made headlines across Turkey. Less than a week earlier, his strike in a 2-0 win over Pendikspor made him:
- The first Bursaspor player to score in nine successive games, beating the club record of eight set by Brazilian forward Fernandão in the 2014-15 season; and
- The first player to score in 10 consecutive league matches in Turkish football, breaking a record previously shared by Turkish legends Metin Oktay (1962-63) and Saffet Sancaklı (1995-96).
Sunday’s goal pushed that record further. Bursaspor are top of the table as they chase promotion back to the Süper Lig, and Iheanacho has been the driving force. Asked about talk of a winter move, he has played it down, saying he is focused on the present: “Right now, we are living in the moment.”
A Career Reborn in Turkey
It is quite a turnaround for the 30-year-old. Iheanacho was once one of the brightest young strikers in the Premier League at Manchester City, and later won the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021, scoring in every round on the way to the final. His moves after leaving Leicester did not go to plan, and many wondered whether his best days were behind him.
In Bursa he has found regular football, confidence and goals. His form also gives Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle an in-form option in attack, with competition for places as sharp as it has been for years.
Chukwueze Set to Miss Tanzania Double-Header
The bad news is Samuel Chukwueze. The winger, one of the more experienced players in the squad, has a hip problem that reports say could keep him out for up to two months. That would almost certainly rule him out of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania, and could end his year early.
Chukwueze’s pace and dribbling on the right have been a key part of Nigeria’s attack, so Chelle will need to look at other options on the flank. There is also talk of recalls for defender Chidozie Awaziem, who scored twice recently for Konyaspor, and striker Cyriel Dessers.
Iwobi Matches Salah Milestone
There was also a milestone for Alex Iwobi. His appearance in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Coventry City on October 24 was his 328th in the Premier League, equalling Mohamed Salah’s tally and moving him alongside the Egyptian among the African players with the most Premier League appearances.
Iwobi is now 25 games short of Kolo Touré’s 353. The NFF’s acting general secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the midfielder for his consistency.
Nigerian Strikers in Form Abroad
Iheanacho is part of a wider trend of Nigerian forwards scoring regularly across Europe. Victor Osimhen remains the focal point of the attack, but goals from players like Iheanacho give the Super Eagles more depth than they have had in recent qualifying campaigns. After the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup, fans will want the team to return to winning ways and qualify comfortably for AFCON 2027.
What’s Next
Bursaspor will be looking to Iheanacho to keep his streak alive in their next league game. For the Super Eagles, the focus turns to Chelle’s squad for the Tanzania qualifiers. With Iheanacho scoring every week, he has given the coach a strong case for a place.
Sources: Afrik-Foot Nigeria, AfricaSoccer.com, Naija News.