Iheanacho Voted 1. Lig’s Best Player After Record-Equalling Bursaspor Start

Kelechi Iheanacho has been voted the best player of the opening eight rounds of Turkey’s 1. Lig by beIN SPORTS after a remarkable beginning to his Bursaspor career.

The Nigeria striker was chosen for the award on the beIN 1. Lig review programme by presenter Turgay Keskin and commentator Tunç Kayacı. The same panel also selected Bursaspor as the best team of the first eight rounds.

Iheanacho, 29, has recorded 11 goals and two assists in eight league appearances, scoring in every match since joining the Turkish club as a free agent in the summer.

His goals have lifted Bursaspor to the top of the table, with the club winning six and drawing one of its opening eight fixtures to collect 19 points.

The forward’s latest goals came in a 2-1 comeback win over Batman Petrolspor on September 19. He scored twice, including the 85th-minute winner.

That brace took his league scoring run to eight consecutive matches and equalled a club record previously set by former striker Fernandao in the 2014/15 season.

His form has also secured a return to the Super Eagles, with Nigeria coach Eric Chelle including him in the squad for the October 6 friendly against Russia.

Iheanacho joined Bursaspor after leaving Celtic, where he won the Scottish league and cup double last season. He had earlier played for Sevilla and Middlesbrough before moving to Scotland.

With his prolific start, Iheanacho has become a key figure in Bursaspor’s promotion push as the club leads the second-tier standings after eight matches.