Kelechi Iheanacho has been recognised as the standout player of the opening eight rounds of the Turkish 1. Lig after a remarkable beginning to his Bursaspor career.
The Super Eagles forward received the recognition from beIN SPORTS during its beIN 1. Lig programme, where moderator Turgay Keskin and commentator Tunç Kayacı also selected Bursaspor as the best-performing team during the period.
Iheanacho has been in outstanding scoring form since arriving at Bursaspor as a free agent in the summer. He has found the net 11 times and contributed two assists in eight league games, scoring in each of his appearances.
Bursaspor have also benefited from his goals, winning six of their first eight matches and drawing one to collect 19 points and move to the top of the league standings.
The Nigerian’s latest contribution came against Batman Petrolspor on September 19. He scored both goals in the 2-1 comeback victory, with his second coming in the 85th minute to secure all three points.
That performance extended his scoring streak to eight straight league games and saw him equal Fernandao’s club record from the 2014/15 campaign.
His impressive form has also resulted in a recall to the Nigerian national team, with head coach Eric Chelle selecting him for the Super Eagles’ October 6 friendly against Russia.
Iheanacho moved to Bursaspor after leaving Celtic, where he won the Scottish league and cup double last season. The striker had previously featured for Sevilla and Middlesbrough.
With his goals continuing to drive Bursaspor’s promotion campaign, Iheanacho has quickly become one of the club’s most influential players this season.