The Nigerian forward is rewarded for a spectacular March in which he found the back of the net in every game he played
Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been named the English Premier League player of the month for March, becoming only the fourth Nigeria to be so recognised.
Iheanacho scored five goals in just three matches in March to beat others to the award.
Bolton Wanderers icon Austin Okocha was the first Nigerian to claim the award in 2003 before former West Brom striker Osaze Odemwingie notched it three times between 2010 and 2012.
Ex-Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo also won it in 2015 when he was still with Watford. Iheanacho’s incredible month started with a fine finish in City’s 2-1 victory at Burnley on the third.
The 24-year-old then struck again three days later in another 2-1 win at Brighton. Iheanacho’s month got even better when he smashed home his first EPL hat-trick in the 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United.
And just before the international break, Iheanacho bagged a brace and an assist as Brendan Rodgers’ men knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup after handing the Red Devils a 3-1 defeat.
The former Manchester City star carried that brilliant form to the national team, where he provided an assist as the Super Eagles thrashed Lesotho 3-0 in the final match of the Afcon qualifying round.
