Super Eagles star speaks on Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup chances and adapting to life at Leicester City

Kelechi Iheanacho had a gruelling summer, dealing with the idea of leaving Manchester City, his home for about three and half years, legal tussle with his former agent and a move to a new club.

The turbulent summer continued after he got injured on his Leicester City debut after a £25m move from Manchester City.

Now fully recovered and fit, the 20-year-old is looking forward to making an impact at his new club.

In this interview, he speaks on Super Eagles 2018 FIFA World Cup chances and adapting to life at Leicester City.

On getting fit

“Great feeling good, always good to be back, it’s been long I had good 90 minutes or 80 minutes so I’m happy to get those minutes.

“It was a great game, I enjoyed it (he played and scored in Leicester City U-23 win last week) Getting my confidence back playing with the boys, it’s pretty amazing.”

On his goal for Leicester City U-23 against West Ham

“It’s always good to score, as a striker you love scoring. When you are not scoring, you are not okay, but when you score it’s a good thing. I am happy getting a goal and winning the game and getting all the three points.”

On his injury

“I think it was a bit frustrating but as a player, you need to be ready to accept anything from the field of play. Injury or anything because that was going to come at one point, that why players have be strong when they get hurt.

“I thank god it wasn’t that bad, getting better fully getting fit, I’m happy, hopefully, I will get some minutes.”

Super Eagles 2018 FIFA World Cup chances

“Playing for my country is one thing I dream for and I’m happy playing for them and it was a thing of joy to represent them. (He played two games for Nigeria in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and scored one goal during the last international break).

“Every time I put on the green white green I’m very happy and to get a goal against Cameroon, a home game coming in in the second half, it was great for me as a striker to get on the score sheet. We beat them 4-0 and drew at their home and we are top of the table. But it’s not yet over. We still have Zambia to play at home next month. We hope we get all the points we need to qualify for the World cup.”

On Leicester City’s performance so far this season

“I think we played Chelsea and I came in so, it was a good feeling for me to have my home debut, it didn’t go quite well but it was a good feeling.

“I’m happy the way the fans received me, they were very excited. Hopeful I will get more minutes and we will get the result.”

Settling at Leicester City off the pitch

“Off the pitch it was good, everyone here is nice, from the staff to the kitchen, the physios, the doctors, the players, everyone, Especially the manager, the way he approaches and talks to players I think that’s what everyone is speaking of this beautiful club as well.

Everything starts from the manager and it’s a very good place for me to build my career and to stay. I am with my brothers here as well, Wilfred (Ndidi) and (Ahmed)Musa. I’m settling down fine, I’m happy with the way things are going on.”