Ex-Real Madrid midfielder backs Iheanacho for Nigeria recall after Celtic heroics

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has left the door open for a possible return to the national team setup for Kelechi Iheanacho, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite battling with injury worries this season, Iheanacho has still managed to score six times from 18 appearances across all competitions for Celtic as he continues his resurgence.

The 29-year-old enjoyed another standout moment for the Scottish champions on Sunday, when he netted a brace in their 6-2 win over St Mirren as they booked their spot in the Scottish FA Cup final. 

Before joining Celtic last summer, Iheanacho endured a difficult spell at Sevilla, where he struggled with fitness and consistency, which ultimately cost him his place in the Super Eagles squad.

Although he has earned 58 caps for Nigeria, his last appearance came at the 2025 Unity Cup and while he made Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he was eventually dropped from the final list as Nigeria went on to secure a record-ninth AFCON bronze medal in Morocco.

Adepoju backs Iheanacho for another chance with the Super Eagles

The Super Eagles are set for a busy run of fixtures this year despite missing out on the World Cup. The three-time African champions will defend their Unity Cup title in May, before facing Poland and Portugal in two high-profile friendly matches in June. The 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers is also scheduled to begin later in the year.

Mutiu Adepoju is of the opinion that these run of fixtures could give Iheanacho a chance with the national team, especially with his resurgence at club level, which should be enough to earn him another opportunity under Chelle.

“Kelechi has always been a very good player and a good scorer who has done very well over the years,” Adepoju said via Footy-Africa.

“Unfortunately, these past few years he has not been finding it easy and all that. 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.”

The former Real Madrid Castilla midfielder also pointed out to Iheanacho’s experience as a key factor that could earn him a recall.

“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.”

Adepoju, however, dismissed criticism suggesting Iheanacho’s performances should be downplayed because of the quality of the Scottish league.

“Comparing La Liga and the Scottish Premiership, they are two different countries, two different leagues. Yes, La Liga is popular and strong, but I believe it’s not that easy playing in the Scottish league as well. There are other good teams in the league; I believe they are strong too”, he concluded.

Iheanacho will look to finish the season on a high with Celtic and win an silverware, especially with the Scottish Cup final still ahead, which could put him back in contention for a return to the Super Eagles fold in the next international window.