Iheanacho Targets 12th Consecutive League Goal As Bursaspor Chase Promotion
Nigerian striker seeks to extend Turkish record against Keçiörengücü
Kelechi Iheanacho will seek to extend his Turkish league scoring record when Bursaspor host Ankara Keçiörengücü on Sunday at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matlı Stadium.
The Super Eagles striker has scored in 11 consecutive league matches and will become the first player in Turkish professional football to extend the streak to 12 if he finds the net against Keçiörengücü.
The 30-year-old has been in outstanding form since joining Bursaspor from Scottish champions Celtic in the summer, scoring 15 goals during his remarkable league run.
His latest strike came in Monday’s 2-0 victory over Pendikspor, when he headed home in the 62nd minute to extend his record to 11 consecutive league matches with a goal.
Iheanacho first made history on October 15, when he scored twice and provided an assist in Bursaspor’s 3-0 victory over Muğlaspor to become the first player to score in 10 consecutive Turkish league matches. Four days later, he extended the streak to 11 against Pendikspor.
The Nigerian has also surpassed Bursaspor’s previous club record of eight consecutive league matches with a goal, set by Brazilian striker Fernandão during the 2014/15 season.
His scoring streak has extended beyond club football. Iheanacho also scored for Nigeria in their 3-3 international friendly draw against Russia in Moscow on October 6, taking his run to 12 consecutive scoring appearances for club and country.
‘I wasn’t aware I was breaking records, but keep getting told about it,’ Iheanacho said after setting the Turkish league milestone.
‘I am happy and proud of what I have done to have broken such a record in Turkish football. It has not been easy and has been very difficult. So I am proud of myself.’
Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er is eager to see the striker extend the sequence.
Speaking to Bursasporx ahead of the Pendikspor match, Er said: ‘This represents an exceptionally challenging record to surpass. Our objective is for him to prolong this sequence even further.’
Iheanacho’s goals have also boosted Bursaspor’s promotion ambitions. The club are targeting a return to the Turkish Süper Lig after years in the lower divisions and sit second in the standings with 25 points, one behind leaders Kayserispor.
