Iheanacho extends historic scoring streak to 11 games

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho extended his remarkable goalscoring run to 11 consecutive Turkish league matches after finding the net in Bursaspor’s clash against Pendikspor on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian striker scored in the 62nd minute to double Bursaspor’s lead at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matlı Stadium, after Halil Akbunar had opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

Iheanacho’s latest strike came four days after he scored twice and provided an assist in Bursaspor’s 3-0 victory over Muğlaspor, becoming the first player to score in 10 consecutive matches in Turkish professional league football.

The 30-year-old surpassed the previous record of nine successive scoring appearances, achieved by Galatasaray legend Metin Oktay during the 1962/63 season and former Turkey international Saffet Sancaklı with Kocaelispor in 1995/96.

Ahead of Monday’s encounter, Bursaspor coach Mustafa Er praised the Nigerian’s achievement, describing the record as difficult to break while expressing hope that the forward would continue his impressive form.

“It’s a very difficult record to break. Our wish is for him to extend this streak even further,” Er said, as quoted by Bursasporx.

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“He is extremely happy, has great friendships, and is working incredibly hard.”

The coach, however, warned against viewing the achievement as an individual accomplishment, insisting that Iheanacho’s teammates and the club’s management also deserved recognition.

“To judge it solely through Iheanacho would be unfair to both the team and the club. The contributions of his teammates cannot be ignored,” Er added.

“I also congratulate our management for bringing a Premier League-quality player to the team and managing his psychology correctly.”

Iheanacho has been in outstanding form since joining Bursaspor from Celtic, scoring consistently and establishing himself as a key figure in the club’s push for promotion to the Turkish Super Lig.

His latest goal against Pendikspor further underlines his importance to the side and extends a scoring run that has already placed him among the most prolific forwards in Turkish professional league football.