Kelechi Iheanacho: 6 in 4 — what his Bursaspor numbers reveal

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has enjoyed a stunning start to life at Turkish side Bursaspor this season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 29-year-old completed a surprise move to the Turkish second division side earlier in the summer after leaving Scottish champions Celtic.

Iheanacho spent one season at Celtic and helped the club win the league title, playing an important role during the latter stages of the campaign. He was also part of the team that won the Scottish Cup in May.

However, his one-year contract expired and Celtic did not offer him a new deal in time, leading to his move to Turkey.

The Nigerian joined a growing group of compatriots playing in the Turkish league, including Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Gift Orban and Yira Sor, as the Nigerian presence in the country continues to grow.

Since arriving at Bursaspor, Iheanacho has settled in quickly and already looks at home. His performances suggest that he has adapted to the club without much difficulty, despite only joining during the summer.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s stats at Bursaspor

Bursaspor currently sit third in the TFF First League with nine points from their opening four matches and will be looking to maintain their strong start as they aim to secure promotion to the Turkish top flight.

Much of their impressive beginning to the campaign has been helped by Iheanacho, who has registered six goal contributions in just four games for the club.

The Nigerian striker opened his account on his Bursaspor debut, scoring a superb goal and providing an assist as his side secured a 2-0 win over Bodrum in their opening game of the season.

Kelechi Iheanacho scores and assists for Bursaspor against Kayserispor. ⚽️🅰️

He has now been involved in six goals in four games for the club this season. pic.twitter.com/GUL9hLNH9k

— Soar Africa! (@SSE_NGA) August 29, 2026

Iheanacho was on the scoresheet again in his second appearance, scoring the only goal of the match as Bursaspor secured a 1-0 victory and maintained their perfect start to the campaign.

Their momentum was halted in the following game when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fatih Karagümrük. However, Iheanacho still found the net, scoring Bursaspor’s only goal of the game.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward continued his impressive form last weekend, once again registering a goal and an assist as Bursaspor returned to winning ways.

Iheanacho converted from the penalty spot and also provided an assist to help his side secure another important victory. His latest contribution took his tally to six goal contributions in four matches, showing just how quickly he has settled into his new surroundings.

Iheanacho will now be hoping to continue that form when Bursaspor take on Istanbulspor on Thursday.

Super Eagles return in sight

Iheanacho’s impressive start to the season could also put him back in contention for a return to the Super Eagles. The forward last played for Nigeria in 2025 at the Unity Cup and has not featured for the national team since then.

He was included in Nigeria’s preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but ultimately missed the tournament, where the Super Eagles went on to finish in third place.

However, his current form will be difficult to ignore, especially with Nigeria facing an important run of fixtures. If he maintains his impressive performances for Bursaspor, Iheanacho could be in contention for a recall to the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.

For now, his focus will be on continuing his strong start with Bursaspor and helping the club maintain their push for promotion.