If you were wondering whether Kelechi Iheanacho would need time to adjust to life in Turkey, Sunday evening provided your answer in emphatic fashion.
Fresh off securing a glorious domestic double with Celtic last season, the Nigerian international needed less than half an hour to turn the Turkish 1. Liga on its head—and he is already setting his sights on major silverware.
Bursaspor kicked off their 2026/27 campaign with a trip to the Grey Beton Bodrum Stadyumu to face Bodrum FK, and it didn’t take long for Iheanacho to steal the show.
In the 27th minute, the 29-year-old Super Eagles striker executed a run of pure class. Timing his movement to perfection behind the hosts’ backline, he latched onto a defense-splitting lobbed pass from inside his own half.
With ice-cool composure, Iheanacho cushioned the ball, rounded the oncoming goalkeeper, and stroked a low finish into the bottom right corner.
Though the assistant referee’s flag momentarily threatened to spoil the party, a swift VAR review confirmed he was onside, sending the traveling Bursaspor faithful into raptures.
Iheanacho was far from finished. Just before the halftime whistle, he turned provider—linking up seamlessly with Lincoln Henrique to set up Bursaspor’s second goal and lock down a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Speaking after the match, Iheanacho couldn’t hide his delight at making an immediate impact while opening up about his grand ambitions for his new chapter in Turkey.
“I’m very happy. The first matches are tough. I’m delighted that we won. I wasn’t expecting a place like this before coming here. Bursa and Turkey are amazing. Our fans welcomed me wonderfully. I hope I become very successful here and lift some trophies.”
With a goal, an assist, and an appetite for trophies right out of the gate, Iheanacho isn’t just settling in—he’s leading the charge.