FORMER Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has thrown his support behind Kelechi Iheanacho’s potential return to the Super Eagles, pointing to the striker’s renewed form at Celtic despite a season disrupted by injuries, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Iheanacho, who made the switch to the Scottish club in the summer, has faced a difficult campaign largely due to recurring hamstring injuries that have significantly limited his playing time.
Despite these challenges, the 29-year-old forward has still delivered six goals and one assist in 18 appearances for the Hoops, underlining his ability to make an impact whenever called upon.
His recent performances have reignited debate over his place in the national team, particularly following a standout display in the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, where he netted twice in extra time to secure victory.
Adepoju believes the striker’s quality and experience remain key assets, insisting that his current form could justify a recall if he maintains his upward trajectory.
“Kelechi has always been a very good player and a good scorer who has done very well over the years. Unfortunately, these past few years he has not been finding it easy and all that,” Adepoju told Footy Africa.
The former midfielder expressed delight at Iheanacho’s resurgence at Celtic, noting that it signals a return to form and could mark the beginning of sustained consistency.
“I’m happy that he is coming back and he is doing very well in Celtic. I just believe he will be able to sustain that and continue,” he said.
Adepoju further emphasised the value of experience within the Super Eagles setup, suggesting that Iheanacho still possesses the qualities needed to contribute effectively at the international level.
“Experience matters, and if he is doing very well and I believe if the handlers of the national team see and find him worthy, then he can still come back. I believe he has that ability to come back to the team,” he added.
Iheanacho, who has earned 58 caps for Nigeria, previously built his reputation during stints in England with Manchester City and Leicester City, where he was known as a clinical forward capable of delivering in crucial moments.
Although injuries have affected his consistency in recent seasons, his recent return to form has once again highlighted his enduring quality, with three goals in his last three matches reflecting his sharpness in front of goal.
He last featured for Nigeria in May during the 2025 Unity Cup, and with the Super Eagles set to defend the title one year later before taking on Portugal and Poland in June, Iheanacho’s fitness and form could prove decisive as head coach Eric Chelle considers refreshing his squad beyond his regular selections.