Kelechi Iheanacho has spoken about his return to the Super Eagles and his enduring passion for representing Nigeria ahead of the international friendly against Russia, DAILY POST reports.
The striker had been left out of recent Super Eagles squads following a difficult spell at club level.
However, his impressive form for Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor has earned him a recall to the national team.
Iheanacho has been in excellent form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in eight league appearances for Bursaspor.
The 30-year-old is one of the experienced players in the Super Eagles squad currently preparing for the clash with Russia.
For Iheanacho, representing Nigeria has always been a privilege, regardless of the level or importance of the competition.
“I have been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long, long time,” Iheanacho told the Super Eagles media.
“Starting from the Under-12 and Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and all the rest of them to the Super Eagles, I’ve been here for a very long time.”
The former Manchester City forward also stressed that his commitment to the national team has never depended on the stature of the competition.
“If na U-15 or U-13 dem invite me, I go play. Anything wey anybody wan talk, as long as the coach give me call-up say make I come play, I go come play,” he said.
“I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody or because of anything. It’s because of the love I have for the game and the passion.
“For every Nigerian, it is the dream to play for the Super Eagles as long as you are a Nigerian. I’ve been living that dream for a long time.”
Iheanacho will now hope to make the most of his return as the Super Eagles continue preparations for their friendly against Russia.
He has scored 14 times in 58 appearances for Nigeria.
Friendly: Iheanacho opens up on Super Eagles return, love for Nigeria