Kelechi Iheanacho says his recall to the Super Eagles has nothing to do with any individual or agenda. It comes from his love for the game and his passion for the national team.

The forward has worn Nigeria’s colours from the junior ranks upward and says representing the country has always been a dream.

“I’ve been in the Super Eagles, even in the national team in general, for a long, long time,” Iheanacho said. “I’m not coming to the national team because of anybody or because of anything. It is because of the love I have for the game and the passion. It is the dream of everyone to play for the Super Eagles as long as you’re a Nigerian.”

He stressed that he would answer the call at any level. “Even if it is the five-a-side Eagles or the under-15s that invite me and say, ‘Come and play,’ I will go and play, no matter what it is, because it is my passion,” he said. “As long as the coach gives me a call-up, I will come and play.”

Iheanacho said he is delighted to be back in camp and hopes the team can deliver a good performance in Tuesday’s game.

“It is a thing of joy, to be fair, and I’m loving it,” he said. “I’m really happy to be here and I will enjoy it with the boys. Hopefully we’ll have a very lovely outing on Tuesday.”

Asked about his move to Turkey, Iheanacho said players have their own reasons for choosing a club, and that the game itself is the same everywhere.

“Football is the same all over the world,” he said. “Wherever you go, you have to play the same football that you play everywhere.”

He added that several Nigerians play in the Turkish division where he plays, more than many people realise, and called it a good league. (The Sun)

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