Kelechi Iheanacho says his return to the Super Eagles was driven by his passion for football and love for Nigeria, insisting that nobody persuaded him to rejoin the national team.
The Bursaspor striker has been recalled for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on Tuesday after more than 16 months away from the Super Eagles. His last appearance came in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica on May 31, 2025.
Iheanacho said representing Nigeria has been a major part of his football journey, dating back to the country’s youth teams.
“I have been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long time, starting from the U-13 to U-15 to U-17 and all the rest of them, to the Super Eagles,” he said.
He stressed that he remains ready to represent Nigeria whenever called upon.
“Even if it is five-a-side Eagles are playing, or I am invited to the U-15s, I will play because of my passion,” Iheanacho added.
His return follows an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign with Bursaspor, where he has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in nine appearances.
The former Manchester City academy graduate also dismissed suggestions that the Turkish second tier is an easy competition.
“It is a good league, to be fair… it is not as easy as people think. When you play there, you will know whether it is easy or not,” he said.
Iheanacho, who won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, made his senior debut in 2015.
He has played four matches for Nigeria in Russia, including a memorable 4-2 victory over Argentina in 2017, when he scored once and provided two assists.
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