'We are happy we won' - Bursaspor star Iheanacho reacts after extending scoring streak to eight games

Kelechi Iheanacho continued his outstanding start to life at Bursaspor by scoring twice in their 2-1 comeback victory over Batman Petrolspor on Saturday.

By scoring in his eighth consecutive match in he TFF First League, the 2013 Fifa U17 World Golden Ball winner took his tally in the division to eleven goals. 

The Super Eagles forward struck twice, including the decisive 85th-minute goal, to complete Bursaspor’s comeback and help them move to the top of the Turkish second-tier table. 

Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Iheanacho described the result as a special moment for the club and its supporters, despite the absence of Bursaspor fans at the stadium.

"We are happy we won today. It was a dream victory for us, and most especially for the whole of Bursa watching today, " Iheanacho told reporters in the mixed zone after the match.

"It was a tough game and a very strong game today, but we came out on top to win, so we are really happy to go back to Bursa with a win."

The brace took the Nigerian striker’s league tally to 11 goals and two assists in eight appearances since joining Bursaspor as a free agent from Celtic during the summer. 

Iheanacho also acknowledged the absence of the club’s supporters and said their presence was still felt by the players during the match.

"We really missed the fans today. When we started the warm-up, I was looking to see if they would come, but I didn't know why they didn't come. 

"But we know their spirit was with us today," he added.

The forward further explained that Bursaspor drew strength from that support as they fought back after falling behind.

“We fought in the second half and won the game, so the spirit was with us. We won for them and the whole of Bursa, so we are happy today.”

His impressive form has also earned him a return to the Super Eagles, with head coach Eric Chelle including him in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the October 6 international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.

The call-up marks Iheanacho’s return to the national team after more than a year. 

Wale Adejumo