Iheanacho Bursaspor debut brings a goal and assist as the Nigerian forward inspires a 2-0 win over Bodrum in Turkey

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho made a striking Bursaspor debut in Bodrum, Turkey, on Sunday, 9 August 2026, scoring one goal and providing an assist as Bursaspor opened their 2026/27 Turkish second-tier campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bodrum.

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The 29-year-old forward wasted little time making an impression after completing his move to Bursaspor during the summer.

Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 27th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage and signalling an encouraging start to his new chapter in Turkish football.

The Nigerian then turned provider shortly before half-time, helping Bursaspor double their advantage and take a commanding 2-0 lead into the interval.

Bodrum were unable to find a response after the break as Bursaspor protected their advantage and began the new campaign with three valuable points.

For Iheanacho, the performance offered an immediate response after a period of uncertainty over his club future.

The former Leicester City striker joined Bursaspor on a three-year contract after his spell with Celtic came to an end. He had spent last season in Scotland, where he scored nine goals despite dealing with injuries and contributed to Celtic’s domestic double.

Celtic had explored the possibility of keeping him beyond his loan spell, but an agreement was not reached, allowing Bursaspor to secure his services on a free transfer.

The Turkish club represents a fresh opportunity for Iheanacho to establish himself as a central figure in a side with ambitious plans.

Bursaspor are targeting promotion back to the Turkish Super Lig, and Iheanacho has made it clear that the club’s long-term ambitions influenced his decision to move to Turkey.

“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” Iheanacho said in an interview published by the club.

His ambitions are closely aligned with those of Bursaspor.

“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotion,” he added.

The forward has also made clear that team success comes before his personal targets, although his debut suggests he could play a decisive role in the promotion push.

“My target is for us to go to the Super Lig,” Iheanacho said.

The opening victory provides an encouraging foundation for that objective. Bursaspor’s attacking threat was evident from the start, while Iheanacho’s direct contribution to both goals offered an early indication of why the club invested in his experience.

The result also gives the Nigerian a welcome beginning after an injury-interrupted spell in Scotland.

Bursaspor now have the benefit of entering the campaign with their new forward already on the scoresheet and contributing creatively.

For Iheanacho, the next challenge will be maintaining that momentum across a long Turkish campaign.

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For Bursaspor, however, the message from the opening weekend is already encouraging: their new striker has arrived ready to make an impact.