By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho enjoyed a dream start to life at Bursaspor after scoring and providing an assist in his debut as the Turkish second-tier club opened their 2026/27 campaign with a 2-0 away victory over Bodrum FK on Sunday.
Iheanacho wasted little time making his mark, opening the scoring for Bursaspor before turning provider for the second goal as the visitors secured all three points.
His impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award, giving the Nigerian striker an encouraging start to his new chapter in Turkey.
“I’m very happy,” Iheanacho told beIN Sports.
“Early matches are tough. I’m delighted we won. I’m also thrilled to have scored a goal and provided an assist. I hope I can be successful here and win some trophies.”
The 29-year-old joined Bursaspor on a free transfer last month following the end of his spell with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.
Iheanacho scored nine goals during an injury-disrupted loan spell at Celtic last season before deciding to take on a new challenge with Bursaspor.
The former Leicester City striker revealed that the club’s ambition to return to the Turkish Super Lig and eventually compete in Europe played a major role in his decision to move to Bursa.
“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project, and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” he said on Bursaspor’s official YouTube channel.
“So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor.”
Iheanacho also stressed that the club’s collective ambition comes ahead of individual targets, with promotion firmly established as the team’s priority.
“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotion; that is our main target before the individual target of a player. My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”
Bursaspor’s opening-day victory leaves them second in the early Turkish second-tier standings, providing an ideal platform for their promotion campaign.
With Iheanacho already contributing directly to two goals on his debut, Bursaspor will be hoping the experienced Nigerian forward can maintain his early momentum and help drive the club back to Turkey’s top flight.
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