Kelechi Iheanacho keeps focus on Bursaspor after setting Turkish football records

Kelechi Iheanacho has played down speculation over his future at Bursaspor after extending his scoring run and setting two records in Turkish football.

The Nigeria striker scored in the second half of Monday’s 2-0 win against Pendikspor, taking his total for the season to 15 goals and finding the net in 11 consecutive matches.

His latest goal made him the first Bursaspor player to score in nine successive games. He moved beyond the previous club record held by Brazilian striker Fernandao, who scored in eight consecutive matches during the 2014-15 season.

Iheanacho also became the first player to score in 10 successive league matches in Turkey. That record had previously been shared by Galatasaray legend Metin Oktay, who achieved the feat in the 1962-63 campaign, and former Turkey international Saffet Sancaklı, who matched it in 1995-96.

The 15-goal run has led to questions about whether Iheanacho could leave Bursaspor during the upcoming winter transfer window. However, the former Celtic forward said he was concentrating on the club’s immediate objectives rather than considering what could happen next.

“I am not going to say anything about the future until we can to the future,” Iheanacho said, according to Spor Bursa, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.

“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.”

Iheanacho said he had not realised he was approaching a record before it was mentioned to him ahead of last week’s match.

“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.”

The Nigeria international’s form has strengthened Bursaspor’s promotion challenge as they attempt to return to the Turkish Super Lig. With his next move still unresolved, Iheanacho will aim to maintain his scoring sequence while helping the club remain at the top of the table.