Kelechi Iheanacho’s Super Eagles comeback? Nigeria legend tips Eric Chelle

Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has thrown his support behind Kelechi Iheanacho, saying the forward still has what it takes to return to the Super Eagles, <a href=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/”>Afrik-Foot </a>reports.

Iheanacho has been back in the spotlight after a dramatic performance for Celtic FC in the Scottish Cup semi-final. The 29-year-old striker scored twice in extra time to help his side beat St Mirren at Hampden Park.

It was a big moment in what has been a difficult season for Iheanacho. Injuries, especially recurring hamstring problems, have slowed him down.

Even so, he has managed six goals and one assist in 18 appearances since arriving in Scotland. His recent form has been encouraging. He scored a winning goal against Dundee FC and followed it up with his match-winning brace in the semi-final.

<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”6849″ height=”4566″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/SFQV8RY4UYu4-R09uWpil4lesSw=/6849×4566/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076344643.jpg” alt=”Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates and thanks fans at full time” class=”wp-image-912227″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates and thanks fans at full time. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnstonx</figcaption></figure>

Against St Mirren, the game was level at 2-2 before extra time. Iheanacho came off the bench and quickly turned the match around, scoring twice as Celtic netted four goals in just six minutes.

His sharp movement and calm finishing showed why he has always been rated highly. In big matches, small moments often decide the outcome, and Iheanacho delivered when it mattered most.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Adepoju: Kelechi Iheanacho still has what it takes for Eagles return</h2>

Adepoju believes Iheanacho’s recent performances are a reminder of his quality and should put him back in the conversation for a national team recall under Eric Chelle.

“Kelechi has always been a very good player and a good scorer who has done very well over the years,” Adepoju told <a href=”https://footy-africa.com/mutiu-adepoju-backs-kelechi-iheanacho-for-nigeria-recall-after-celtic-heroics/?ref=ed_direct”>Footy-Africa</a>.

<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”2155″ height=”1539″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/BW6ZUlr69HxPoE25ezud9ZUDUw4=/2155×1539/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago10763485431.jpg” alt=”Kelechi Iheanacho” class=”wp-image-912220″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates after scoring. Copyright: FredxPalmer/Imago</figcaption></figure>

“Unfortunately, these past few years he has not been finding it easy and all that. I’m happy that he is coming back and he is doing very well in Celtic. I just believe he will be able to sustain that and continue.”

The former midfielder also responded to suggestions that playing in Scotland is not as demanding as other leagues.

“Comparing La Liga and the Scottish Premiership, they are two different countries, two different leagues. Yes, La Liga is popular and strong, but I believe it’s not that easy playing in the Scottish league as well. There are other good teams in the league; I believe they are strong too.”

Iheanacho, who has previously played for Leicester City and Manchester City, has found himself out of the national team in recent months. Injuries and inconsistent club form, along with increased competition from younger attackers, have made it harder for him to keep his place.

<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”1526″ height=”1525″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/Pi17gab3OAFGtaxgsehMvn6Xr8M=/1526×1525/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076342626.jpg” alt=”Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates” class=”wp-image-912225″ srcset=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/wlKxQTKR6lilCIxst_zOKUvnXDA=/1526×0/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076342626.jpg 1526w, https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/U25WHZJcbXFBYjM15i2n_ZSY8h4=/150×0/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076342626.jpg 150w” sizes=”(max-width: 1526px) 100vw, 1526px” /><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates. Copyright: ImagoxFredxPalmer</figcaption></figure>

Nigeria’s attack has evolved, with pace and intensity now key features. But Adepoju insists that experience should not be overlooked.

“Experience matters, and if he is doing very well and I believe if the handlers of the national team see and find him worthy, then he can still come back. I believe he has that ability to come back to the team.”

With important matches ahead, including international friendlies and qualifiers, Iheanacho now has a real chance to force his way back into the squad. If he can stay fit and maintain his form at Celtic, the door to the Super Eagles may yet open again.