Russia vs Nigeria: The forgotten Super Eagles star who could steal the show in Nizhny Novgorod

Russia vs Nigeria is a good time to recall that there was a time when Kelechi Iheanacho seemed almost impossible to leave out of the Super Eagles’ attack, Afrik-Foot reports.

Now, the 29-year-old Bursaspor forward arrives in Nizhny Novgorod for Russia vs Nigeria carrying a dangerous pair of a rebuilt reputation and numbers that demand attention.

Iheanacho has been recalled for Nigeria’s October 6 friendly against Russia after more than a year away from the Super Eagles. His last appearance came in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica, where he converted his penalty as Nigeria won 5-4 in the shootout.

The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium could therefore become the stage for an unexpected international comeback.

From Celtic success to international exile

Iheanacho’s absence became increasingly striking during his spell at Celtic. After arriving from Sevilla, he helped the Scottish giants win the Premiership and Scottish Cup double, scoring Celtic’s third goal in their 3-1 Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline at Hampden Park.

Yet Chelle still omitted him from Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025. Iheanacho had been included in the provisional 54-man list, but was eventually left out, with injury and fitness concerns surrounding the first half of his campaign in Scotland.

That decision extended an international drought that Iheanacho could now end in spectacular fashion.

Kelechi Iheanacho: The Bursaspor monster ready for Russia vs Nigeria

Turkey has given Iheanacho the perfect response.

Since joining Bursaspor this summer, Iheanacho has scored 11 goals and supplied two assists in eight 1. Lig appearances, finding the net in every league match he has played. His latest eruption came against Batman Petrolspor, where his brace turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory.

The streak has made him the league’s leading scorer and reportedly saw him equal a 12-year-old Bursaspor scoring record.

His September 14 strike against Esenler Erokspor had already taken his league tally to nine, before the Batman double pushed it into double figures.

Russia vs Nigeria offers the audition

Chelle has separated Nigeria’s competitive squad from the group travelling to Russia, creating an unusual opening for Iheanacho.

The October 6 Russia vs Nigeria fixture is not an AFCON qualifier, but it could give the former Leicester City striker precious minutes to demonstrate that his Bursaspor explosion deserves to be rewarded with a place in the regular Super Eagles setup. The match also comes immediately after Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau, giving several fringe players an opportunity to change the conversation.

The last meeting between the Super Eagles and Russia ended 1-1 in Moscow in June 2025, when Tolu Arokodare cancelled out Semi Ajayi’s own goal. The rematch in Nizhny Novgorod could give Iheanacho the chance to write the next chapter himself.

If his Bursaspor form travels with him, the forgotten man may not stay forgotten for much longer.