36 Facts About Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Promise Iheanacho is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL Championship club Middlesbrough on loan from Spanish club Sevilla, and the Nigeria national team.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the match's sole goal from the penalty spot as Leicester lifted the 2021 FA Community Shield.

At international level, Kelechi Iheanacho represented Nigeria's under-17 team at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, being named the tournament's best player and finishing as the second-highest goalscorer as he led the side to their record fourth title.

Kelechi Iheanacho was voted the Most Promising African Talent twice in 2013 and 2016 and named as a substitute for the 2016 CAF Team of the Year.

In December 2012, Kelechi Iheanacho travelled to England to discuss a move to Manchester City.

Kelechi Iheanacho signed a pre-contract agreement with the club, stating his intent to formally sign for City on his 18th birthday in October 2014.

Delays in obtaining a work permit meant Kelechi Iheanacho was unable to play in England until February 2015.

Kelechi Iheanacho made his debut at under-19 level in a UEFA Youth League match against Schalke 04, but sustained an injury after only 11 minutes.

In July 2015, Kelechi Iheanacho was included in City's pre-season tour team in Australia.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first career hat-trick on 30 January 2016 against Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup, setting up City's fourth goal, scored by Raheem Sterling.

Kelechi Iheanacho followed this up with a Champions League semi-final substitute appearance on 26 April 2016.

On 10 September 2016, Kelechi Iheanacho started in the Manchester derby.

In October 2016, Kelechi Iheanacho was nominated for the FIFA Golden Boy award, which was eventually won by Bayern Munich's midfielder Renato Sanches.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first goal for Leicester in an EFL Cup tie against Leeds United on 24 October 2017.

On 16 January 2018, Kelechi Iheanacho became the first player in English football to be awarded a goal due to video assistant referee, as the referee deemed that the player had been incorrectly ruled offside for his second goal.

However, several injuries to key players meant that Kelechi Iheanacho got an extended run of games.

Kelechi Iheanacho won the Premier League Player of the Month award in March 2021 after scoring five goals in three league appearances.

On 3 April, Kelechi Iheanacho signed a new three-year contract with Leicester, keeping him at the club until at least 2024.

Kelechi Iheanacho was substituted on during the 79th minute and scored the winning goal, an 89th-minute penalty against his former club.

Kelechi Iheanacho received Leicester's Player of the Year award following a season that resulted in the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored six goals in 26 matches in all competitions, as his club managed to achieve the EFL Championship, securing promotion back to the Premier League.

On 31 July 2024, Kelechi Iheanacho joined Spanish club Sevilla on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City.

Kelechi Iheanacho has represented Nigeria at youth levels from under-13 upwards.

For Kelechi Iheanacho, the highlight was a hat-trick in a win against Botswana.

Kelechi Iheanacho dedicated his goals to his mother, who died two months before the tournament.

Kelechi Iheanacho played a significant role in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball award for player of the tournament.

Nigeria won the competition, in which Kelechi Iheanacho scored six times, including once in the final, and provided seven assists.

Kelechi Iheanacho was part of the Nigeria squad for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, and featured in two matches.

Kelechi Iheanacho was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, but failed to make the final 18.

Kelechi Iheanacho was selected by Nigeria in friendly matches against Mali and Luxembourg in May 2016.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the two games, providing an assist against Luxembourg.

On 25 December 2021, Kelechi Iheanacho was shortlisted in Nigeria's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations 28-man squad by caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored Nigeria's first goal of the tournament in the 30th minute of their opening match victory against Egypt.

Affectionately known as the Senior Man in his native Nigeria, Kelechi Iheanacho is known for his vision, dribbling, speed, finishing and athleticism.

Kelechi Iheanacho first rose to prominence in 2013 after the FIFA U-17 World Cup as an attacking midfielder.

Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed his interest to emulate attacking midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha and forward Nwankwo Kanu in the Premier League and they have both cited Iheanacho as a great player and one of the best strikers in the world.