Kelechi Iheanacho has broken a longstanding record in Turkish professional football by scoring in his 11th consecutive league match. According to Punch, the Nigerian forward found the net in the 62nd minute during Bursaspor’s 2-0 victory over Pendikspor on Monday. This goal extended his remarkable run of consecutive scoring appearances, a feat not achieved by any other player in the league's history.
The achievement surpasses the previous benchmark of nine consecutive scoring matches, which was set by Galatasaray legend Metin Oktay during the 1962-63 season and later matched by Saffet Sancaklı in 1995-96. Premium Times reported that Iheanacho first broke the club record by scoring in nine straight games, surpassing the previous Bursaspor record of eight held by Brazilian forward Fernandao. He then extended the streak to ten matches with a brace in a 3-0 win over Muğlaspor on October 15.
AllAfrica noted that Iheanacho had already registered 14 goals and three assists in his first 10 league appearances before the Pendikspor match. His goal against Pendikspor brought his total to 15 goals in 11 games, solidifying his position among the competition's leading scorers. The 30-year-old, who previously played for Manchester City and Leicester City in the English Premier League, has established himself as a key figure in Bursaspor’s attack since joining the club from Celtic.
Bursaspor coach Mustafa Er praised the striker's performance, describing the record as difficult to break. Er stated that the achievement was not solely an individual accomplishment but a result of the team's collective effort and the management's support. He highlighted Iheanacho's hard work and positive relationships within the squad, noting that the club's management had successfully managed the player's psychology to facilitate his success.
The consistent form has made Iheanacho one of the most dangerous attacking players in the division. As the season progresses, the focus remains on whether he can maintain this momentum and continue to extend his historic scoring streak. His performance has significantly enhanced his reputation in Turkish football, marking a strong return for the former Premier League forward.