Ex Celtic title-winner makes Turkish football history as next UEL opponents prepare for record 3,000-fan invasion
Nigerian forward reflects on his historic achievement after extending his scoring spree in Turkey
Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho has etched his name into Turkish football history after scoring in 11 consecutive league matches for new club, Bursaspor.
The Nigerian achieved the milestone during his side’s 2-0 victory over Pendikspor on Monday night, extending his impressive goalscoring streak to 12 successive appearances across club and international football. His run also includes a goal for his country in their 3-3 friendly draw against Russia.
Iheanacho has found the net 15 times across his 11-match domestic streak, establishing a new record for consecutive league games scored in Turkish football.
The 30-year-old played a key role in Celtic’s dramatic Premiership title triumph towards the end of last season but departed the Scottish champions after both parties failed to reach an agreement over a new contract. He subsequently joined Bursaspor, where his consistent performances in Turkey’s second tier have made him one of the league’s standout forwards.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Iheanacho admitted he had not initially realised the significance of his scoring streak but expressed pride in reaching the landmark.
“I wasn't aware I was breaking records, but keep getting told about it,” he said. “I am happy and proud of what I have done to have broken such a record in Turkish football. It has not been easy and has been very difficult.”
Iheanacho targets promotion with Bursaspor
Despite his outstanding form in front of goal, the frontman remained tight-lipped about what lies ahead in his career at Bursaspor, choosing instead to focus on the club’s immediate ambitions.
Iheanacho explained: “I won't say anything about my future plans regarding my Bursaspor career for now. I don't want to answer that because it's a matter concerning the future. We're not in the future right now, we're living in the present. I will continue to enjoy the moment and try to help the club win the league.”
With his scoring streak continuing to attract attention, Iheanacho will be hoping to maintain his remarkable scoring spree and help Bursaspor clinch promotion while adding to his growing legacy in Turkey.
Celtic’s next UEL opponents set to bring record away allocation to Parkhead
Meanwhile, Celtic’s next Europa League opponents Celta Vigo are set to make history by taking a record 3,000 supporters to Parkhead on Thursday night.
Martin O’Neill’s side welcome the La Liga outfit on Matchday Three of the competition’s league phase, with both clubs looking to bounce back after suffering defeats in their opening two matches.
Despite their difficult start to the campaign, Celta fans are preparing for a memorable trip with a record turnout expected to create a memorable atmosphere in Glasgow’s east end. The allocation of 3,000 tickets represents the biggest away following the Spanish side have taken to a European fixture, surpassing the 2,500 supporters who travelled to Old Trafford for their Europa League semi-final against Manchester United nine years ago.
The figure also eclipses the 2,900 fans who made the journey to Lyon for last season’s Round of 16 encounter, underlining the excitement surrounding the club’s latest European adventure.
Celta’s director of infrastructure Carlos Cao acknowledged the enthusiasm among the club's fanbase, explaining that the significance of the fixture was perhaps not fully understood by their Scottish counterparts.
He said: “In Glasgow they don't understand why so many people from Vigo want to go to the game. For them, it's just another game, but it is a very special match for our supporters. Lots of our fans bought a ticket first, then worried about travel and a hotel later!”
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