Kelechi ‘Senior Man’ Iheanacho says his desire to represent Nigeria remains as strong as ever as he prepares to return to the Super Eagles after an absence of more than 16 months.
The Bursaspor forward has been selected by head coach Eric Chelle for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia in Novgorod on Tuesday, marking his return to the national team since the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica in London.
Iheanacho, speaking to NFF TV from Russia on Monday, said his commitment to playing for Nigeria was not dependent on the opinions of critics or the level at which he was called upon to represent the country.
“I have been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long time, starting from the U13 to U15 to U17 and all the rest of them, the Super Eagles,” observed Iheanacho who won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in UAE.
The forward rejected suggestions that there was anything unusual about his decision to accept another invitation to the senior national team.
“So I have been very long here and I am not coming to the national team because of anybody or anything. It’s because of the love and passion I have for the game.
“It’s the dream of everyone to play for the Super Eagles as long as you’re Nigerian. I have been living that dream for a long time to play in the national team from a junior level up to here. Even if it’s 5-a-side Eagles are playing or I’m invited to the U15s, I’ll play because of my passion.
“I don’t care what anybody says. As long as the coach gave me a call-up, I will play, so it’s a thing of joy and I am loving it.
“I’m really happy to be here and I will enjoy it with the boys and hopefully we will have a very lovely outing “(against Russia) on Tuesday (today).”
Iheanacho’s return comes during an impressive beginning to his club career in Turkey.
The forward joined Bursaspor as a free agent in the summer after leaving Celtic, having helped the Scottish side to a decent campaign last season. His form since moving to the Turkish second tier has been particularly notable, with Iheanacho scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in nine appearances during the opening stages of the 2026-27 season.
That run of form has helped earn him another opportunity with the Super Eagles, despite the lengthy gap since his previous appearance for Nigeria.
Iheanacho also used his return to the international scene to challenge perceptions of the Turkish second tier, arguing that the competition is stronger than some observers suggest.
“It’s a good league, to be fair. I don’t know how people rate the league but it is a really good league, and it’s not easy as people think.
“When you play there, you’ll know whether it’s easy or not. Obviously, my teammates will testify to that as well. I’m enjoying it and I know they are enjoying it as well. You can say it favours Nigerians but it’s a really good league,” concludes the former Manchester City and Leicester City player.
For Iheanacho, the return to the Super Eagles represents another stage in a long association with Nigerian football that began in the country’s youth teams.
His international journey stretches from the under-13 and under-15 levels through the under-17 side and ultimately to the senior team. His outstanding performances at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates earned him the Golden Ball.
Now, with his club form providing momentum and a place in Chelle’s squad secured, Iheanacho has the opportunity to add another chapter to that international career.
His immediate focus is the meeting with Russia, where he says he intends to enjoy his return alongside his team-mates and contribute to what he hopes will be a positive outing for Nigeria.
