Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed the inspiration behind his decision to play for the Nigerian national team as he prepares for a possible return against Russia on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iheanacho received his first call-up to the Super Eagles setup since the 2025 Unity Cup tournament, ending his 16-month absence from the national team.
The 30-year-old was included in the squad alongside a few other senior players as head coach Eric Chelle selected a different team from the one that faced Madagascar and Madagascar in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last month.
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Nigeria will face Russia in a friendly on Tuesday in their final game of the September international window as they look to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their last outing.
The Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat in that encounter, dealing a major blow to their hopes of reaching the tournament after they had opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar.
Iheanacho reflects on Super Eagles return and passion to play
The Super Eagles forward is in contention to return to the starting lineup against Russia, and he has explained that his commitment to the national team comes from the love and passion he has for the game and also for representing his country.
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“I have been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long, long time. Starting from the U-12 and U-13 to the U-15, U-17 and the rest of them to the Super Eagles”, the Bursaspor striker revealed during an interview.
“So, I’ve been here for a very long time, and I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody or anything. It’s because of the love I have for the game and the passion.
“It’s the dream of everyone to play in the Super Eagles. As long as you’re Nigerian, and I’ve been living that dream for a long time, to play in the national team from a junior level up to here.”
Speaking in Pidgin, Iheanacho, who also explained his decision to join Bursaspor in the summer, further made it clear that he is always ready to answer the call whenever he is invited.
“Even if na five-a-side Eagles dey play or whether na U-15, na in they invite me say make I come play, I go play because na my passion”, he added.
“So anything wey anybody wan talk, e no concern me as long as the coach give me call-up say make I come play, I go come play.
“So it’s a thing of joy to be fair and I’m loving it and I’m really happy to be here. I’ll enjoy it with the boys and hopefully we’ll have a very lovely outing on Tuesday.”
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Iheanacho will be aiming to earn a start in the encounter against the European side, as he looks to secure a more regular place under Chelle.
