Kelechi Iheanacho has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Super Eagles, describing representing Nigeria as a privilege and a lifelong dream ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia.
The experienced forward earned a recall to the national team after an impressive start to the season with Turkish club Bursaspor, where he has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in eight league appearances.
Iheanacho had been absent from recent Super Eagles squads following a challenging spell at club level, but his resurgence in Turkey convinced head coach Éric Chelle to hand him another opportunity on the international stage.
Speaking ahead of the friendly, the former Manchester City striker reflected on his long journey through Nigeria’s national teams and expressed gratitude for every opportunity to wear the country’s colours.
“I have been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long, long time,” Iheanacho told Super Eagles media.
“Starting from the Under-12 and Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and all the rest of them to the Super Eagles, I’ve been here for a very long time.”
The 30-year-old stressed that his desire to represent Nigeria has never been influenced by the status of a competition or public opinion.
“If na U-15 or U-13 dem invite me, I go play. Anything wey anybody wan talk, as long as the coach give me call-up say make I come play, I go come play,” he said.
“I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody or because of anything. It’s because of the love I have for the game and the passion.”
Iheanacho also described playing for the Super Eagles as the ultimate dream for every Nigerian footballer.
“For every Nigerian, it is the dream to play for the Super Eagles as long as you are a Nigerian. I’ve been living that dream for a long time.”
The striker is among the senior players in a relatively youthful Super Eagles squad preparing for the clash against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.
With several regulars unavailable due to injuries and club restrictions, Iheanacho’s experience is expected to play a key role as Nigeria seek a positive response following last week’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The former Leicester City forward has scored 14 goals in 58 appearances for the Super Eagles and will be aiming to strengthen his case for a regular place in Chelle’s plans with a strong performance against Russia.
