‘Seniorman Kelz’ has enjoyed by far his most successful season in the Premier League, which was crowned with a historic FA Cup triumph with Leicester City.
Last season, he netted 12 goals, more than double what he managed the previous season.
He also enjoyed a befitting end to his favourite competition – the FA Cup – by winning it and scoring a record four goals including the winner in the semifinal against Southampton, which lifted ‘The Foxes’ to their first cup final in 52 years.
He scooped the Premier League Player of the Month for March, while his goal against Crystal Palace in the Premier League was voted Goal of the Season by his club.
Before all these milestones, there were many doubts surrounding the 24-year-old striker.
However, Leicester City and Super Eagles teammate Wilfred Ndidi said he never doubted what Iheanacho is capable of on the pitch.
“Kelechi’s talent was never in doubt, but as it is in life people love to criticise others when they are down,” Ndidi told BBC Sport Africa.
“He was unfairly criticised and judged by different people. This is someone I have known from our youth days at the under-17s and I know his quality, so it’s not a fluke that he is producing his best football again.
“I am very happy for him because he’s doing wonderfully well now and everyone can see.
“It’s just sad that when he needed encouragement in the past few years many were quick to write him off, but thankfully some of these people have now turned around to praise him. That’s life.”
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers praised the quality of his Nigeria striker.
“Kels (Iheanacho), when he picks the ball up, the rest is just magic,” he saluted.
“He’s a really good player who’s getting an opportunity, it’s as simple as that.”
The reward of such a fantastic season was a new and improved three-year contract which will keep him at Leicester City until June 2024.
His transfer market value has now shot up to 20 Million Euros.
‘Seniorman Kelz’ has also been recalled to the Super Eagles and will look to add to his seven goals in 23 appearances for Nigeria at full international level.
His beloved mother, Mercy, now of blessed memory, can only be proud of her son.
