Super Eagles news: Iheanacho reveals what drives him to play for Nigeria
Retold by Oddsrama · 5 October 2026
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Kelechi Iheanacho is back in the Super Eagles fold and he's making it crystal clear that his return isn't about chasing headlines or currying favour—it's pure love for the game and the country. The 30-year-old striker, currently at Turkish outfit Bursaspor, earned a recall to Nigeria's squad after a 16-month spell on the sidelines, with the squad announcement coming ahead of a friendly clash against Russia this week.
The forward has been threading the Super Eagles story since his early days in the youth setup, progressing through the U-12, U-15, and U-17 levels before graduating to the senior team. For Iheanacho, representing Nigeria isn't something you do for sponsorships or profile-building—it's a privilege that's defined his entire football journey. In his own words, he'll show up for any call, whether it's a five-a-side or any level the national team needs him, because the passion and dream of wearing the green and white never fades.
This friendly comes at a crucial moment for the Eagles, who are still licking their wounds from a disappointing 3-0 hammering at the hands of Guinea-Bissau in their recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Coach Eric Chelle has shuffled the squad significantly, mixing in experienced hands like Iheanacho with other senior players for what amounts to a confidence-building exercise. With Nigeria looking to bounce back quickly, Iheanacho's willingness to put in the work and fight for a starting spot could prove valuable—especially for bettors tracking Nigeria's form heading into their next competitive fixture.
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