How Bursaspor coach convinced Kelechi Iheanacho

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has scored in every game he has played for club and country this season, but the situation could’ve been very different without the conviction of Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er.

The 30-year-old made a surprise move to the Turkish second-tier club in July after leaving Celtic, where he helped the Scottish giants win the SPFL and Scottish Cup titles during the 2025/2026 season.

Iheanacho’s decision raised eyebrows because Celtic hoped to retain the Nigerian forward after his strong finish to the season. However, Bursaspor moved quickly to secure his signature on a three-year contract, offering him a key role in their ambition to return to the Turkish Süper Lig.

The former Manchester City striker has since had an outstanding start in the second tier of Turkish football, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in his first eight league appearances, before adding another against Russia while on International duty with Nigeria.

Bursaspor coach explains Kelechi Iheanacho transfer

His performances have justified Bursaspor’s determination to sign him, and Er has spoken about how much the club wanted the former Leicester City striker.

Speaking ahead of Bursaspor’s league meeting with Mardin 1969 Spor, Er expressed satisfaction with Kelechi Iheanacho’s contribution and acknowledged the work that went into bringing him to the club.

“Iheanacho is continuing to score. Hopefully, he scores again this week,” the Bursaspor coach said in quotes reealed by DHA.

Er also highlighted the improving atmosphere within the squad and the growing productivity of his players, adding that happiness within a team could help individuals perform better.

“We have a positive team. There has been tremendous progress in our team spirit. Productivity is also increasing. People are more productive where they are happy,” he said.

The Bursaspor manager went on to make the club’s expectations of the Nigerian clear.

“We signed Iheanacho to score goals. We worked very hard for that transfer,” Er added.

“There was a lot of demand for him. The size of the club was also very important in his choosing us. We are getting the contribution we wanted,” the 46-year-old concluded.

Why Iheanacho preferred Bursaspor to Celtic

Er’s remarks complement Iheanacho’s explanation of his decision to leave Celtic.

The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner said the club’s long-term project immediately appealed to him, especially their ambition to return to the Turkish top flight and eventually compete in European football.

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

“I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor,” he added.

Bursaspor won promotion to Turkey’s second tier after claiming the TFF Second League title last season. They are now targeting another promotion, with Iheanacho already playing a major role in that ambition.

The forward’s goalscoring form has given the club an encouraging start to their campaign, while his experience in the Premier League, La Liga, and SPFL make him one of the leaders in the dressing room.

As Soccernet.ng previously reported, Iheanacho’s decision to choose Bursaspor over Celtic surprised Martin O’Neill, who believed the Nigerian would remain at Parkhead.

For now, Iheanacho’s performances show that the move is working for both player and club. Bursaspor secured the striker they worked hard to sign, while the Nigerian has found a team where he can be the main man and pursue a clear sporting objective.

Will Iheanacho get more Super Eagles game time?

The blistering form of the ex-Sevilla striker saw him get an invite to the Nigerian National team for the first time in over a year, although it was for the friendly against Russia.

He played 45 minutes, scored a goal, and showed coach Eric Chelle that he has what it takes to compete with the rest of the senior strikers at the Frenchman’s disposal.

Should he continue his goalscoring form in Turkiye, he’ll make a very strong case for himself in the books of the coach.