Iheanacho Reveals Reason Behind Super Eagles Return

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has explained why he returned to the Nigeria national team after being recalled for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia.

The former Manchester City player had been away from international football for more than 16 months before his latest invitation to the three-time African champions.

Iheanacho, who won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, said representing Nigeria remains a major passion for him and that he does not need outside motivation to answer a national team call-up.

“I have maintained my involvement with the Super Eagles, and indeed the national team structure overall, for an extended period, progressing from the U-13 through U-15 and U-17 levels and subsequently to the Super Eagles,” Iheanacho said.

“My tenure has been considerable, and I am not returning to the national team due to external influences or circumstances. Rather, it is driven by the profound love and passion I possess for the sport.”

The striker added that representing the Super Eagles has always been a dream and said he would accept an invitation whenever the coaching staff calls on him. “Representing the Super Eagles constitutes the aspiration of every Nigerian athlete,” he said.

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“I am genuinely pleased to be present and will relish the opportunity to collaborate with my teammates, with the expectation that we will deliver an exceptional performance on Tuesday.” Iheanacho’s recall also comes after a strong start to the 2026-27 season, with the forward scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in nine matches for Bursaspor.