Kelechi Iheanacho says his love for Nigeria has remained strong as he prepares to return to the Super Eagles against Russia on Tuesday.
The 30 year old forward has returned to the national team after more than a year away. He says representing Nigeria remains a major source of pride.
“I have been in the Super Eagles in general for a long time, starting from the U-12, U-13 to U-15, U-17 to Super Eagles so I have been very long here,” Iheanacho said in an interview with the Super Eagles Media from camp.
The former Manchester City forward has represented Nigeria from youth level through to the senior team. He believes that journey explains why playing for the country means so much to him.
“I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody but because of the love I have for the game and the passion. It’s the dream of everyone to play in the Super Eagles as long as you are Nigerian and I’ve been living that dream for a long time to play in the national team from the junior level up to here.
“Even if it’s five-a-side or U-15 the Eagles are playing and I’m invited I will play, it doesn’t matter because it’s my passion. So it’s a thing of joy and I’m very happy to be here and hopefully we will have lovely outing on Tuesday.”
Iheanacho Enjoying Life at Bursaspor
Iheanacho joined Turkish second division club Bursaspor after helping Celtic win the league and Cup double last season during his loan spell from Sevilla.
The move surprised some Nigerian supporters. However, Iheanacho insists he made the decision for football reasons and has no regrets about playing in Turkey.
“As a player you have reasons why you go to any club that you go to in Turkey,” he said. “For me football is the same all over the world wherever you go to and you have to play football just like you play everywhere.
“Some of us are in Turkey and the division I play there are lots of Nigerians there but it’s a good league to be fair, I don’t know how people rate the league but it’s a really good league and it’s not easy as we think. I’m enjoying it and they are enjoying it as well and you can say it favours Nigerians but it’s a good league.”
The move has delivered impressive results for Iheanacho. He has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in eight league games, making him the division’s current top scorer.
His form has also earned him a return to the Super Eagles. Head coach Eric Chelle included the forward in his squad for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia.
Iheanacho will now hope to mark his return with another strong display as Nigeria continue preparations for their upcoming international fixtures.
