I’m always happy to play for Nigeria – Iheanacho

Striker Kelechi Iheanacho has said he is always happy to play for Nigeria, insisting that love for the game and the country, not anyone’s persuasion, brought him back to the Super Eagles for the friendly against Russia on Tuesday (today).

The Bursaspor forward was recalled after more than 16 months out of the national team. His last appearance was in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica on May 31, 2025.

“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,” Iheanacho said in an interview with the Super Eagles media team.

“So I have been here for a very long time, and I am not coming to the national team because of anybody or anything. It is because of the love and passion I have for the game. It is the dream of everyone to play for the Super Eagles as long as you are Nigerian.”

He added that he would answer any call.

“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. I do not care what anybody says. As long as the coach gives me a call-up, I will play, so it is a thing of joy and I am loving it. I am really happy to be here, and I will enjoy it with the boys, and hopefully we will have a very lovely outing on Tuesday.”

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The Manchester City academy graduate won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup and made his senior debut in a World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in 2015.

His recall follows a strong start to the 2026/27 season, with 11 goals and two assists in nine appearances for Bursaspor, whom he joined as a free agent in the summer after his Celtic contract expired.

Iheanacho rejected the idea that the Turkish second tier is easy.

“It is a good league, to be fair. I do not know how people rate the league, but it is a really good league, and it is not as easy as people think. When you play there, you will know whether it is easy or not,” he said.

He has played four games for the Super Eagles on Russian soil. His best came in November 2017, when he scored once and made two assists in the 4-2 win over Argentina.