Turkey: Iheanacho sets new record, makes history with goals in 10 conservative matches

Super Eagles attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho has achieved a historic milestone in Turkey by scoring in ten consecutive matches in the Turkish First League.

The Nigerian international delivered an exceptional performance, scoring twice and providing one assist to lead Bursaspor to a decisive 3-0 victory over Muğlaspor at Muğla Atatürk Stadyumu on Thursday night.

The match remained goalless in the first half until the 48th minute, when Iheanacho appeared to break the deadlock with a header during a goalmouth scramble. However, the goal was subsequently disallowed for offside.

The Super Eagles star eventually found the back of the net in the 58th minute, capitalising on a pass from Halil Akbunar to score the opening goal.

According to a report by Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, Iheanacho’s achievement surpasses the scoring streaks of two legends: Metin Oktay of Galatasaray and former Turkish international Saffet Sancaklı.

Oktay scored in nine consecutive Süper Lig matches for Galatasaray during the 1962–63 season, while Sancaklı subsequently equalled the feat playing for Kocaelispor in the 1995–96 season.

Before Thursday’s encounter with Muğlaspor, Iheanacho had set a new Bursaspor record by scoring in nine consecutive matches, surpassing Fernandao’s previous record of eight consecutive matches from the 2014–15 season.

Iheanacho extended Bursaspor’s lead in the 73rd minute with a left-footed strike from inside the penalty area.

Hüseyin Maldar made it 3-0 in the 83rd minute, converting an assist from the Nigerian forward.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward has now scored 14 goals and provided three assists in ten appearances this season.