Super Eagles: 3 players Iheanacho’s form could put under pressure

Kelechi Iheanacho has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season at Bursaspor, and his impressive form could put several players under pressure in the Super Eagles setup.

Iheanacho joined the Turkish club during the summer after leaving Celtic, where he spent last season and helped the Scottish giants win the league and cup double.

Since joining Bursaspor, Iheanacho has taken his game to another level. He continued his remarkable goalscoring run with another strike in Monday night’s 2-0 win over Pendikspor, making it 11 consecutive games in which he has scored for the club and he has found the net in every game he has played for them this season.

The goal took his tally to 15 goals and three assists and the Super Eagles forward has also set a record for the longest consecutive scoring streak in Turkey’s professional league, having scored in 11 successive games.

The 30-year-old also carried the form over to the international stage. Iheanacho scored for Nigeria in their 3-3 draw against Russia earlier this month, further strengthening his case for a return to the Super Eagles squad.

With Nigeria looking to bounce back from their disappointing results in the last round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Iheanacho’s form could give head coach Eric Chelle another option in attack ahead of next month’s crucial double-header against Tanzania.

His return to the squad could also put some of his teammates under pressure, especially those who have struggled for form for their clubs or the national team in recent months.

3 Super Eagles players Iheanacho’s form could put under pressure

1. Akor Adams

Veia forward Akor Adams is one player who could feel the pressure from Iheanacho’s impressive form, especially if the Bursaspor striker earns a recall to the Super Eagles.

Adams made his Nigeria debut in 2025 and has since become a regular member of the squad. However, his slow start to the season at Venezia, coupled with his underwhelming performances in last month’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers, could put his position under threat.

With Victor Osimhen absent from those qualifiers, Adams had an opportunity to take on greater responsibility in attack. However, he struggled to make any impact and was largely overshadowed, delivering performances that did little to strengthen his case for a regular starting role.

If Iheanacho maintains his current scoring form, Adams will need to improve his performances at club level and make better use of his opportunities with the Super Eagles to strengthen his position in Chelle’s plans.

2. Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi is another Super Eagles forward whose position could come under pressure if Iheanacho continues his impressive run of form.

Awoniyi joined Coventry City during the summer after leaving Nottingham Forest, but his start to the season has been disrupted by a lack of momentum.

Although the striker managed to get on the scoresheet, a red card briefly interrupted his efforts to establish himself at his new club and he only returned to action in Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Awoniyi also earned a recall to the Super Eagles squad following Osimhen’s injury problems, which forced the Galatasaray striker to miss the international fixtures. However, Awoniyi did little to convince that he should retain his place in the squad, failing to make the most of the opportunity presented to him.

With Iheanacho scoring consistently for Bursaspor and also finding the net against Russia, competition for places in Nigeria’s attack could become even tougher.

Awoniyi will need to build momentum at Coventry City and deliver stronger performances whenever he gets the chance to represent Nigeria. Otherwise, Iheanacho’s resurgence could leave him struggling to retain his place in Chelle’s plans.

3. Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu is another striker whose place in the Super Eagles squad could come under pressure from Iheanacho’s outstanding form.

The Trabzonspor forward enjoyed an excellent 2025-26 campaign, winning the Turkish Golden Boot jointly with Istanbul Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov. 

However, Onuachu has struggled to reproduce those performances this season, with his impact declining as he battles to maintain his previous level of consistency. His position in Trabzonspor’s starting lineup has also come under threat, adding to the pressure on him to rediscover his best form.

The Super Eagles striker also missed last month’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers because of injury, leaving Chelle without another attacking option during an important period for the national team.

With Iheanacho now scoring regularly and making a strong case for an international recall, Onuachu could face increased competition for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

Iheanacho will be hoping to maintain his remarkable goalscoring form and extend his record-breaking streak in Turkey’s professional league, which could strengthen his chances of returning to Chelle’s squad ahead of Nigeria’s next AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures against Tanzania.