Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has declared that his commitment to Nigeria has never depended on public opinion or outside influence, insisting that his love for the country and football will always make a national-team invitation difficult to turn down.
The Bursaspor striker is back with the Super Eagles for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod after spending more than a year away from the national team. His previous appearance came in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica, with the forward subsequently missing the 2025 AFCON and Nigeria’s earlier internationals in 2026.
For Iheanacho, however, returning to the national colours is about reconnecting with a journey that began long before his senior career.
“I have been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long time, starting from the U-13 to U-15 to U-17 and all the rest of them, to the Super Eagles,” Iheanacho said.
“I am not coming to the national team because of anybody or anything. It is because of the love and passion I have for the game.”
The 30-year-old returns at a time when his club form has made a compelling case for reconsideration. Iheanacho has enjoyed an impressive start at Bursaspor, scoring 11 goals in his opening eight league appearances, a resurgence that has put him firmly back in Eric Chelle’s plans.
His recall also comes at an important moment for Nigeria. The Super Eagles are seeking a response after their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while Chelle is using the Russia friendly to examine several new and returning players.
For Iheanacho, who first rose to international prominence by starring for Nigeria’s victorious Golden Eaglets at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, wearing the green and white remains special.
His return therefore represents more than another call-up. After months outside the Super Eagles picture, Iheanacho has another opportunity to remind Nigerians of his quality and force himself back into Chelle’s long-term thinking.
And his message is unmistakable: whenever Nigeria calls, the motivation remains the same — love for the game and pride in representing his country.
