Iheanacho leaves Bursaspor future unanswered after setting Turkish football records

Kelechi Iheanacho says he is focused on the present rather than speculation about his future at Bursaspor after extending his remarkable scoring run and setting two records in Turkey.

The Super Eagles striker scored in Monday’s 2-0 win over Pendikspor, taking his season tally to 15 goals and finding the net in an 11th consecutive match.

Iheanacho joined Bursaspor during the summer transfer window and has quickly become central to the club’s promotion challenge. His latest goal also secured a place in both Bursaspor and Turkish football history.

The Nigeria international is now the first Bursaspor player to score in nine successive matches, moving beyond the previous mark of eight set by Brazilian forward Fernandao during the 2014-15 season.

He also became the first player to score in 10 consecutive league matches in Turkey. That record had previously been held by Galatasaray legend Metin Oktay, who scored in nine successive matches in the 1962-63 season, and former Turkey international Saffet Sancaklı, who achieved the same feat during the 1995-96 campaign.

His form has led to speculation over whether he will remain with Bursaspor when the winter transfer window opens. However, Iheanacho declined to discuss what may happen next after the victory over Pendikspor.

“I am not going to say anything about the future until we can to the future,” Iheanacho said via Spor Bursa.

“Right now, we are living in the moment, so we have to enjoy the moment now that we are living in it and make the most out of it and continue playing, winning, being at the top of the table, and scoring goals.”

The 2-0 victory was not straightforward, according to Iheanacho, but he said he was proud to have made his mark in Turkish football.

“Before the game last week, I didn’t even know about the record before I was told. I am now in the record book and I am happy to achieve that in Turkey, it is not easy.”

He added: “It was a tough game but I am now in the record book, so I am happy and proud to be in the record book and hopefully there will be more goals to come from me and the team.”

Iheanacho’s immediate priority is to maintain his scoring form and help Bursaspor secure promotion back to the Turkish Super Lig.