Premier League: Kelechi off the mark for Leicester as he joins Okocha and Martins’ club

The former Manchester City man is finally off the mark in the English top-flight this season, and it came on his special day 

Super Eagles star Kelechi Iheanacho was on target for Leicester City in their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

Iheanacho, who was making his first league start of the season, opened the scoring for Brendan Rodgers men in the 31st minute.

The Nigerian international dispossessed Joachim Andersen off the ball to slot past Vicente Guaita in Crystal Palace’s goal.

Iheanacho, who turned 25 today, became the third Nigerian after Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (2004) and Obafemi Martins (2008) to score in the Premier League on their birthday.

Jamie Vardy doubled Leicester’s lead six minutes after Iheanacho’s strike to put the away side in a commanding position at the break.

However, Palace returned with more purpose on resumption, and they pulled one back in the 61st minute through Super Eagles hopeful Michael Olise.

The 19-year-old, who arrived from Reading in the summer, converted from close range to put Patrick Vieira’s side back in the game.

Olise’s goal increased the pressure, and it eventually paid off as Jefferey Schlupp’s strike completed the comeback in the 72nd minute.

It’s the least Palace deserved as they were the dominant team in the second half. The draw leaves the Eagles in 14th place, one point and a place behind their opponents.