Iheanacho Says Passion, Not Persuasion, Brings Him Back to Super Eagles.

Kelechi Iheanacho says his return to the Super Eagles is driven by his passion for football and Nigeria, stressing that he does not need anyone to persuade him to represent the country.

The Bursaspor striker was recalled for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on Tuesday after more than 16 months away from the national team. His last appearance was in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica on May 31.

Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Iheanacho said he had represented Nigeria from the youth levels through to the senior side and remained committed to answering every call-up.

“I am not coming to the national team because of anybody or anything. It is because of the love and passion I have for the game,” he said, adding that playing for the Super Eagles was a dream for Nigerians.

The forward said he would accept an invitation regardless of the team or competition, describing his return as a source of joy. He expressed hope that Nigeria would have a successful outing against Russia and said he was looking forward to being with his teammates.

Iheanacho’s recall follows a productive start to the 2026/27 season. He has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in nine appearances for Bursaspor, whom he joined as a free agent in the summer after leaving Celtic when his contract expired.

The former Manchester City academy player also defended the quality of the Turkish second tier, rejecting suggestions that it was an easy competition.

“It is a good league, to be fair,” he said. “It is not as easy as people think. When you play there, you will know whether it is easy or not.”

Iheanacho first came to prominence after winning the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. He made his senior debut for Nigeria in a 2015 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland.

The striker has played four matches for the Super Eagles in Russia. His standout performance came in November 2017, when he scored and supplied two assists in Nigeria’s 4-2 victory over Argentina.

His return gives the national team an experienced attacking option ahead of the friendly, while his recent club form has added to expectations surrounding his contribution. Iheanacho said he was happy to be back and eager to enjoy the occasion with the squad.