Kelechi Iheanacho’s recent form at Celtic has pushed his name back into the international picture, and former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has now added his voice to that conversation. Adepoju has been watching closely as the striker starts to find his form again.
Adepoju’s view comes off the back of a strong spell from Iheanacho in April. The forward has made his mark in short bursts, most recently with two goals in extra time against St Mirren. Those moments have shifted how he is being talked about, both at club level and beyond.
It has not been a season built on starts. Iheanacho has had to work his way back through limited minutes, and Adepoju pointed to that when discussing his recent improvement. Injuries earlier in the campaign slowed him, and even now his role is managed carefully.
That context matters when looking at his performances. Iheanacho is not dictating games from the start. Instead, he is coming into matches when space opens and defenders tire. Adepoju’s comments reflect that change, with the striker beginning to show sharper movement and finishing again.
He said: (Footy-Africa), “Kelechi has always been a very good player and a good scorer who has done very well over the years.
“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.
“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’s backing highlights where Iheanacho stands right now. The ability has never been in doubt. The issue has been keeping fit and building momentum.
Nigeria have options in attack, but players who know how to handle tight games still hold value. Iheanacho has that experience, and Adepoju believes that still counts.
For Celtic, the focus stays on the final stretch. Matches are tight and often decided late. Iheanacho’s role fits that, coming on when the game starts to open.
If he keeps producing in those moments, the wider picture can shift quickly. Adepoju’s comments make it clear that a return to the international setup is not out of reach if this run continues.
