Iheanacho proud to smash Turkish scoring record, eyes title

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has played down speculation about his future at Bursaspor, insisting he is focused on enjoying the present and helping the Turkish club achieve its ambitions after setting new scoring records, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian forward spoke after scoring in Bursaspor’s 2-0 victory over Pendikspor on Monday, extending his scoring streak and further enhancing his reputation as one of the club’s most influential players this season.

“I am not going to say anything about the future until we get to the future. Right now, we are living in the moment, so we have to enjoy the moment now that we are living in it and make the most out of it and continue playing, winning, being at the top of the table, and scoring goals,” Iheanacho said, as quoted by Spor Bursa.

The former Celtic striker, who joined Bursaspor during the summer transfer window, reportedly took his tally to 15 goals and extended his scoring run to 11 consecutive matches with his latest strike.

His performances have seen him set records for consecutive scoring appearances, including becoming the first Bursaspor player to score in nine successive matches, surpassing Brazilian forward Fernandao’s eight-match run during the 2014/15 season.

Iheanacho was also reported to have surpassed the previous Turkish league record of scoring in nine consecutive matches, attributed to Galatasaray legend Metin Oktay in the 1962/63 campaign and former Turkey international Saffet Sancaklı in 1995/96. The precise scope of the national record should be confirmed against reliable historical records before publication.

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The Nigerian said he was unaware of the milestone before being informed, adding that he was delighted to make his mark in Turkish football.

“Before the game last week, I didn’t even know about the record before I was told. I am now in the record book, and I am happy to achieve that in Turkey; it is not easy,” he said.

“It was a tough game but I am now in the record book, so I am happy and proud to be in the record book and hopefully there will be more goals to come from me and the team,” he added.

With his impressive form attracting speculation ahead of the winter transfer window, Iheanacho has chosen to keep his attention on the team’s immediate objectives.

The striker will now aim to maintain his scoring form and help Bursaspor secure promotion to the Turkish Super Lig.