Kelechi Iheanacho: What Bursaspor coach said after striker’s 12-game scoring streak ended

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho was unable to continue his free-scoring run with Bursaspor over the weekend, ending his hopes of beating Lionel Messi’s record.

The 30-year-old failed to score as Bursaspor defeated Bandırmaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig, bringing an end to his run of scoring in 12 consecutive league matches.

Iheanacho has been one of the best players in Turkish football this season, establishing himself as Bursaspor’s main man after joining the club in July.

His goals had helped drive the club’s promotion challenge, with the striker registering 16 goals and three assists in his first 12 league appearances.

However, his failure to extend that run did not prevent Bursaspor from producing a convincing performance. Halil Akbunar opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Lewis Baker struck twice, in the 12th and 23rd minutes, to secure the victory.

The result also extended Bursaspor’s winning run to four league matches, ensuring they maintained their position at the top of the table. For Er, the performance offered a reminder that his side cannot afford to depend on just one player for goals.

What Bursaspor coach said about Kelechi Iheanacho

Speaking after the victory, Er played down the headline of Iheanacho ending his scoring sequence, instead highlighting what the forward has already contributed to the team.

“He has made a tremendous contribution so far. He didn’t score today, that’s okay. For us, the score is more important than who scores,” the 46-year-old said in quotes revealed by Vatan.

The response reflects the importance Er places on collective output rather than individual records. Iheanacho’s goals have been central to Bursaspor’s historic campaign, but the 3-0 victory showed that other players can take responsibility when the Nigerian is not on the scoresheet.

That is an encouraging sign for a side chasing promotion. Opponents will now, more than before, look for ways to limit Iheanacho’s influence, especially after his extraordinary run in front of goal.

Bursaspor need other outlets to punish teams that concentrate their attention on the former Leicester City forward.

Why Iheanacho’s contribution is still important

The Nigerian scored in every league appearance before the Bandırmaspor clash, making his run one of the defining stories of Bursaspor’s season. His 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances had already provided a substantial return on the club’s investment.

The challenge for Iheanacho is to respond with another goal in his next appearance, but Bursaspor’s main objective is to ensure that his influence does not become a requirement for every victory.

If Er can maintain that balance, the end of Iheanacho’s scoring streak will not be as significant to Bursaspor’s promotion ambitions as the team’s ability to keep winning, although the Turkish coach will still love his striker to find the back of the net as many times as possible.