Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho made an immediate impact on his Bursaspor debut, scoring and providing an assist as the Turkish second-tier side opened their 2026/27 campaign with an impressive 2-0 away victory over Bodrum on Sunday.
The Nigerian star wasted little time announcing his arrival, playing a direct role in both goals as Bursaspor made a perfect start to their promotion campaign.
Iheanacho completed a free transfer to the Turkish second-tier club in July, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over his future following a productive loan spell with Celtic last season.
Despite struggling with injuries during his time in Scotland, the 29-year-old managed to score nine goals and played an important role as Celtic secured a domestic double.
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His performances prompted the Scottish champions to explore the possibility of extending his stay, but negotiations ultimately broke down, opening the door for Bursaspor to secure his services on a three-year contract.
The former Leicester City striker quickly justified his new club’s decision.
Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a simple finish before turning provider on the stroke of half-time, setting up a teammate to double Bursaspor’s advantage heading into the break.
The two-goal cushion proved enough as Bursaspor held on to begin the campaign with three points away from home.
The result leaves Bursaspor second in the early Turkish second-tier standings and provides an encouraging opening to their push for promotion back to the Super Lig.
Iheanacho targets Super Lig return with Bursaspor
Iheanacho had already made his ambitions clear after joining Bursaspor, revealing that the club’s long-term project was a major factor behind his decision to move to Turkey.
The Nigerian said he was attracted by Bursaspor’s ambition to return to the Turkish top flight before eventually competing in European competitions.
“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” he said on the club’s official YouTube channel.
“So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor.
“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotion — that is our main target before the individual target of a player.
“My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”
After contributing a goal and an assist on his competitive debut, Iheanacho has already given Bursaspor supporters an early glimpse of what he could bring to their promotion push.
The Super Eagles forward will now hope to build on Sunday’s impressive start and play a leading role in helping the club achieve its ultimate objective of returning to the Super Lig.