Kelechi Iheanacho’s red-hot form gives Chelle good headache ahead of AFCON qualifiers
Kelechi Iheanacho has given Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle another major selection headache after extending his remarkable scoring run in Turkey.
The Nigerian forward scored twice as Bursaspor came from behind to defeat Manisa FK 2-1 on Monday night.
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The brace means Iheanacho has now scored in six consecutive league matches since moving to Turkey, registering eight goals and two assists during that remarkable run.
Iheanacho rediscovers his scoring touch
Iheanacho was at the centre of Bursaspor’s comeback after Manisa FK took an early lead.
The 29-year-old produced a brilliant individual effort to level the score before completing the turnaround with a late winner.
His latest performance has strengthened the argument for his return to the Super Eagles at a time when Chelle faces uncertainty over his attacking options.
Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu have both recently suffered injuries at club level, potentially leaving Nigeria short of established options ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.
With Iheanacho producing consistently in front of goal, his form could hardly have arrived at a more significant moment.
Turkish second tier raises selection question
However, the biggest question surrounding Iheanacho is not his current form but the level at which he is producing it.
Bursaspor compete in Turkey’s second tier, the TFF 1. Lig, meaning Chelle must decide whether Iheanacho’s scoring numbers are enough to earn him a place in a squad preparing for high-level international competition.
On one hand, selecting a striker who has scored eight goals and provided two assists across his last six league matches would be difficult to ignore.
On the other, Chelle must consider whether Iheanacho’s performances in the second tier can immediately translate to the demands of international football.
The debate has already divided Nigerian supporters, with some believing his confidence and finishing ability make him an obvious selection, while others remain cautious because of the level of competition.
Chelle faces crucial attacking decision
Iheanacho’s resurgence gives Chelle a welcome problem, particularly with the fitness of Osimhen and Onuachu still a concern.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward has also shown that he can provide more than just goals, with two assists during his six-game scoring streak.
As Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers draw closer, Chelle will have to decide whether current form should outweigh the level of competition.
Meanwhile, for Iheanacho, though, the message from Turkey is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: Senior Man is back among the goals, and the Super Eagles boss now has a decision to make.