The 30-year-old last played for Nigeria on 31 May 2025, in a Unity Cup match against Jamaica. Coach Eric Chelle has recalled him on the back of his goals for Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor. Reaction to the call-up has been mixed. Iheanacho says that does not concern him.
“I have been involved with the Nigerian national teams for a very long time, starting from the U12s, U13s, U15s and U17s, all the way to the Super Eagles,” he told Super Eagles media. “I don’t come to the national team because of anybody or anything else. I come because of the love I have for the game and the passion I have for representing my country. Even if it were five-a-side and I was invited to represent Nigeria, I would come and play.”
“Whatever anyone wants to say doesn’t concern me. As long as the coach believes in me and gives me a call-up, I will always come and play for my country. I’m really happy to be here with the boys, and hopefully we will have a very good outing on Tuesday.”
Iheanacho, formerly of Manchester City, Leicester City and Celtic, also defended the move to Turkey. “Football is the same wherever you go in the world. Some of us are playing in Turkey, and there are several other Nigerians in the division where I play. It is a very good league. I don’t know how people rate the league from the outside, but it is really competitive and definitely not as easy as some people might think.”
The three-time African champions are regrouping after a 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau. Iheanacho’s case is that a coach’s call is enough, and that the shirt still matters more than the division on his club badge.