Super Eagles: 2 key reasons Kelechi Iheanacho chose Bursaspor over Celtic

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho surprised many when he chose Bursaspor over Celtic this summer, but he had two important reasons for taking the unusual career path, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 30-year-old joined Celtic as a free agent in September 2025 after leaving Sevilla, and although injuries disrupted his first few months in Scotland, he finished the campaign strongly.

The Nigerian scored nine goals in 24 appearances as Celtic won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, prompting the club to consider extending his stay.

However, Celtic’s uncertainty over his future opened the door for Bursaspor, who moved quickly to secure the striker on a three-year contract.

Afrik-Foot previously examined why the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner could reject Celtic’s new contract offer, with uncertainty over his role and the club’s approach forming part of the story.

However, the striker’s recent explanation revealed that the decision was about more than just leaving Scotland.

This is deep from Kelechi Iheanacho.

This is the first time I am seeing Iheanacho opening up about his journey with the National Team(s), he was emotional. https://t.co/jSIj9PtKZT

— OgaNlaMedia 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) October 5, 2026

Super Eagles: Why Kelechi Iheanacho chose Bursaspor over Celtic

1. Bursaspor offered an ambitious project

The first reason was Bursaspor’s sporting ambition. Iheanacho explained after his arrival that the Turkish club’s plans immediately appealed to him, particularly their desire to return to the top flight and eventually compete in Europe.

“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said that this is a big project,” the 2021 FA Cup winner said.

The striker was so convinced by the proposal that he asked his agent to make sure the transfer happened.

That was significant because Bursaspor were not simply offering Iheanacho a big-money contract. They were presenting him with the opportunity to become the main figure in a promotion project.

Celtic, meanwhile, could offer European football and domestic trophies, but Iheanacho’s position within the squad was less certain. Bursaspor gave him a much clearer role.

2. Iheanacho needed regular football and a fresh start

The second reason has become even clearer because of what has happened since the move.

Iheanacho has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in his first eight Turkish 1. Lig appearances, finding the net in every league match he has played.

His remarkable start earned him a recall to the Super Eagles for the international friendly against Russia.

Afrik-Foot previously analysed why Iheanacho was right to ditch Celtic for Bursaspor, highlighting the importance of regular football and a full pre-season after his injury problems in Scotland.

The current numbers make that argument even stronger. At Bursaspor, Iheanacho has become a guaranteed starter.

That has allowed the 30-year-old to rediscover the confidence that made him one of Europe’s most exciting forwards at Manchester City and Leicester City.

It is also difficult to argue with the timing. Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign is already underway, and Eric Chelle needs forwards who are playing regularly and scoring consistently.

Iheanacho’s Bursaspor form has put him firmly back into that conversation. He’s already been identified as one of three Super Eagles players who could benefit most from Nigeria’s Russia friendly, with his extraordinary scoring form at club level set to be on display at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium tomorrow.

The decision to leave Celtic now looks considerably less risky than it did in July.

Iheanacho did not simply choose a lower division. He chose a club where he could play regularly, carry greater responsibility and become central to an ambitious project. So far, the results suggest he made the right call.