Kelechi Iheanacho is one goal away from setting a new Bursaspor scoring record after extending his impressive start in Turkey with another brace.
The Super Eagles striker scored twice as Bursaspor defeated Batman Petrolspor 2-1 away from home on Saturday, September 19, moving the club further clear at the top of the Turkish second division.
The brace took Iheanacho’s tally to 11 goals and two assists in eight league appearances since joining Bursaspor. He has scored in every league match he has played for the club.
His latest goals also extended his scoring streak to eight consecutive league games, matching the Bursaspor record set by Brazilian striker Fernandao during the 2014/15 Süper Lig season.
Fernandao scored in eight successive league matches between rounds 12 and 19 of that campaign. He finished that season with 22 league goals and seven assists.
Iheanacho had previously set a personal best by scoring in six consecutive matches before extending the run with a brace against Manisa FK on September 7. Goals against Esenler Erokspor and Batman Petrolspor have now taken his streak to eight games.
A goal in his next league appearance would see the 29-year-old surpass Fernandao’s mark and become the first Bursaspor player to score in nine consecutive league matches.
Iheanacho’s goals have also played a key role in Bursaspor’s strong start to the season. Following Saturday’s victory, the club sits top of the Turkish second division with 19 points from eight matches, having recorded six wins and one draw.
The Nigerian joined Bursaspor as a free agent this summer following his spell with Celtic in Scotland, where he helped the club win a league and cup double.
His impressive form has also earned him a recall to the Nigeria national team. Iheanacho has been selected for the Super Eagles’ friendly against Russia next month, marking his first international call-up in more than a year.
The striker will now have another chance to impress Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as he looks to re-establish himself in the national team. Before then, Iheanacho will be aiming to make history with Bursaspor by scoring in a ninth consecutive league game.
