Kelechi Iheanacho: 5 career highlights of young Super Eagles striker so far

On his 21st birthday, we take a look at Iheanacho's five career highlights so far in his young career.

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho turns 21 today, Tuesday, October 3.

At 21, Iheanacho has come a long way from the skinny kid that represented Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

There is still a long way for the Leicester City star to go in his career but on his birthday, we look back at some of his highlights so far.

1. Winning FIFA U-17 World Cup title with Nigeria

 

Iheanacho was the star of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria that won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup title.

The Imo-State-born star was named the best player of the tournament after helping Nigeria to the title and finished as the second highest goalscorer of the tournament with six goals and seven assists.

2. Move to Manchester City

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Iheanacho shot himself to limelight with his performances at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup which attracted a slew of European clubs to him.

He was spoilt for choices before he finally chose Manchester City. He joined the Youth Team before his promotion to the Manchester City first team in August 2015. He had an impressive debut season for City, scoring 14 goals.

3. Last minute winner for Manchester City against Crystal Palace

 

One of Iheanacho’s biggest moments in a City shirt was scoring the winner in their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday, September 13, 2015.

Goalless when he was introduced, Iheanacho was very alert to pounce on a rebound to score the late winning goal for City.

4.  Winning first club trophy

ALSO READ: When Iheanacho spoke Ibo inside Manchester City dressing room

Iheanacho won his first club trophy with Manchester City following their Capital One Cup (now Carabao Cup) title in February 2016.

Manchester City beat Liverpool via penalty shoot-out in the Sunday, February, 28 2016 final at Wembley.

Although Iheanacho was an unused substitute in the game, he was still eligible for a medal.

5. First Super Eagles competitive goal

 

His rise at Manchester City came with a Super Eagles call-up and Iheanacho blended right in, putting a series of impressive performances for the national team.

After goals for the Super Eagles in friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg, Iheanacho grabbed his first competitive goal for Nigeria in a 1-0 win over Tanzania in a dead rubber 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in  September 2016.