Kelechi Iheanacho Named Best Player in Turkey After Bursaspor Start

Posted : 01 October 2026

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been named the best player of the opening weeks of the Turkish 1. Lig season after making a strong start with Bursaspor. The 29-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in eight league appearances since joining the Turkish club.

Iheanacho has scored in every league match he has played for Bursaspor. His scoring run has also seen him find the net in eight consecutive matches, matching Fernandao’s Bursaspor record from the 2014/15 season.

The Nigerian matched that mark during Bursaspor’s 2-1 away victory over Batman Petrolspor before the international break. Iheanacho scored twice in the match, continuing his impressive start and helping his team maintain its position near the top of the standings.

beIN 1. Lig moderator and football commentator Turgay Keskin recognised Iheanacho as the best player of the opening week matches. Bursaspor were also named the best team during the same assessment.

The award comes after a difficult period in Iheanacho’s club career. The forward endured challenging spells at Sevilla and Middlesbrough during the 2024/25 season before moving to Celtic in Glasgow.

Iheanacho enjoyed a productive campaign with Celtic last season. He scored nine goals in 24 appearances and contributed to the club’s domestic double before leaving Scotland for Bursaspor.

His performances have quickly made him a key figure at his new club. Bursaspor have also emerged as early promotion contenders, with the team level on 19 points with league leaders Kayserispor after the opening fixtures.

Bursaspor currently sit second because of an inferior goal difference. Iheanacho’s goals have been central to the club’s strong start as they seek a return to the Turkish Super Lig.

His scoring form has also brought him back into the Super Eagles picture. Although coach Eric Chelle did not select him for Nigeria’s latest 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, Iheanacho has been invited for the international friendly against Russia on October 6.

The friendly provides the striker with an opportunity to impress Chelle and strengthen his case for a regular place in the national team. Iheanacho’s last appearance for Nigeria came during the 2025 Unity Cup, when the Super Eagles defeated Jamaica on penalties to win the tournament.

With his club form continuing to attract attention, Iheanacho enters the October international window with strong momentum. His next challenge will be maintaining his scoring run for Bursaspor while competing for a place in Nigeria’s plans.

Kelechi Iheanacho Named Best Player in Turkey After Bursaspor Start

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