Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has explained why he remains committed to representing Nigeria ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Russia.
The 30-year-old has returned to the Super Eagles squad for the first time since the 2025 Unity Cup, ending a 16-month absence from the national team.
Iheanacho said his decision to play for Nigeria is driven by his love for football and his passion for representing his country.
The Bursaspor forward explained that he has represented Nigeria from the junior levels, starting from the U-12 and U-13 teams before progressing through the U-15, U-17 and senior national team.
“I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody or anything. It’s because of the love I have for the game and the passion,” Iheanacho said.
He added that he would always accept a national team invitation, regardless of the level.
“Even if na five-a-side Eagles dey play or whether na U-15, if they invite me to play, I go play because na my passion,” he said in Pidgin.
Iheanacho is now hoping to make an appearance against Russia as he looks to establish himself again under head coach Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing.
