{
  "id": 12256007,
  "title": "I’m always happy to play for Nigeria – Iheanacho",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/im-always-happy-to-play-for-nigeria-iheanacho",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T23:48:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/im-always-happy-to-play-for-nigeria-iheanacho/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kelechi Iheanacho, the Bursaspor striker, expressed his joy at returning to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for a friendly match against Russia. Iheanacho, who was recalled after a 16-month absence, stated that his decision was driven by genuine love for the game and his country, not by anyone else's influence. He revealed that he has been part of the Super Eagles since his youth, starting from the U-13 to U-17 levels and culminating in the Super Eagles. The Manchester City Academy graduate, who won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, made his senior debut in a World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in 2015. Iheanacho's return to the national team comes following a strong start to the 2026/27 season, where he scored 11 goals and provided two assists in nine appearances for Bursaspor. While acknowledging the Turkish second-tier league's quality, he cautioned against the misconception that it is easy to play there. Iheanacho has previously played four games for the Super Eagles on Russian soil, scoring once and providing two assists in their 4-2 win over Argentina in November 2017. He emphasized his readiness to answer any call from the national team, expressing his eagerness to participate in the upcoming friendly against Russia.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho says he is always happy to play for Nigeria, stating passion for the country brought him back to the national team. Read More: https://punchng.com/im-always-happy-to-play-for-nigeria-iheanacho/",
  "key_points": [
    "Kelechi Iheanacho rejoins Nigerian national team, Super Eagles.",
    "Former Manchester City Academy graduate makes senior debut in 2015.",
    "Ready to play any national team call, eager for Russia friendly."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Iheanacho's return to the Super Eagles shows he prioritizes his national team duties, driven by personal passion rather than external influence, and remains committed to contributing to Nigeria's football.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "I’m always happy to play for Nigeria – Iheanacho",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/im-always-happy-to-play-for-nigeria-iheanacho",
        "published": "2026-10-06T00:02:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}