Iheanacho ignites Middlesbrough comeback in crucial Championship win against Oxford United

Kelechi Iheanacho marked a personal milestone at the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough secured a vital 2-1 victory over Oxford United, breathing new life into their Championship playoff ambitions.

The Nigerian striker, who joined Middlesbrough on loan from Sevilla during the January transfer window, needed just three minutes after the restart to notch his first league goal since 2023.

His powerful finish leveled the match after Oxford had taken a surprising lead through Michal Helik seven minutes before halftime.

The comeback was completed when Brazilian defender Neto Borges also opened his Middlesbrough account, flicking home what proved to be the winner with ten minutes remaining.

This third consecutive home league victory carries significant weight in the promotion race. 

Michael Carrick's side now sits level on points with sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion, while Coventry City hovers just two points ahead as the Championship season enters its final stretch with seven matches remaining.

For Iheanacho, whose career has taken him from Manchester City to Leicester City and then to Sevilla before his loan move to Teesside, this timely contribution could prove crucial to Middlesbrough's promotion aspirations.

The 28-year-old was left out of the Nigeria squad for the March internationals as his performances for Middlesbrough since arriving on loan from Sevilla have been inconsistent.

Middlesbrough seventh on the Championship table will play Blackburn Rovers on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Kenneth Afor

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