Super Eagles: Kelechi Iheanacho Emerges Best Player In Turkey

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been named the best player of the first eight rounds of the Turkish TFF 1. Lig following an impressive start to the season with Bursaspor.

The Nigeria international was selected as the standout player during the beIN SPORTS 1. Lig programme after producing a series of influential performances for his new club.

Iheanacho has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in eight league appearances, establishing himself as one of the leading performers in the competition. His goalscoring run has also helped Bursaspor make a strong start to their campaign.

The 29-year-old joined Bursaspor during the summer as a free agent after leaving Scottish Premiership club Celtic, where he had won the league and Scottish Cup double.

His move to Turkey has quickly proved productive, with the striker scoring in each of his first eight league matches.

Iheanacho’s latest standout performance came against Batman Petrolspor, where he scored twice to help Bursaspor secure a 2-1 comeback victory. His winning goal arrived in the 85th minute, taking his league tally to 11 goals.

The run also saw him equal a Bursaspor club record for scoring in eight consecutive league matches, a mark previously achieved by Brazilian striker Fernandao during the 2014/15 season.

Bursaspor have also benefited from Iheanacho’s form. After eight matches, the club had recorded six victories, one draw and one defeat, collecting 19 points and sitting second in the table on goal difference.

Iheanacho’s performances have also earned him a return to the Super Eagles setup. Coach Éric Chelle included the striker in Nigeria’s squad for the international friendly against Russia scheduled for October 6.

His return comes after more than a year away from the national team, with his last appearance having come during the 2025 Unity Cup in London.

With his form continuing to attract attention in Turkey, Iheanacho will now look to maintain his scoring run and carry his club form into his return to international football.