Michael Carrick has described Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal against Oxford United as a massive one for Middlesbrough.
Iheanacho opened his goals account for Boro as he drew them level in the 2-1 comeback win against Oxford in Saturday’s Championship fixture.
It was his first goal since December 5, 2024, when he netted for parent club Sevilla in their 3-1 win at lower division side Olot.
“Good player, you know, he’s a good player,” Carrick said about Iheanacho in his post-match presser posted on Boro’s website.
“He’s proven, experienced, and I’m sure he was a bit frustrated because he had a chance in the first half, and it didn’t go in. It hit the crossbar, but that’s football, you know.
“The major thing I’ve learned over the years is to not get carried away when you’re having a sticky patch because the only way you can get out of it is to be positive.
“I thought the boys stood by each other really well, supported each other really well, and Kelz [Iheanacho] got his reward. It’s a really important goal for us, and I’m sure that’ll kickstart him as well.
“It was a good goal all around. We had good numbers in the box, and it was positive. We tried to make something happen with a bit of good play down the side.
“He is happy. We are trying to keep the smile off Neto’s face as much as anything! He was delighted too, but Kel knows it. He has played at a level, and goals make you feel a bit better, naturally.
“I wasn’t concerned; I knew he would score, and hopefully, he has got more in him; I am sure he has. It was a massive goal for us.”
2 Comments
Keep it up, Naco. You have it in you. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
With five months before recommence of world cup qualification, fans of Kelechi Iheanacho will hope his forms continues an upward trajectory following his clinical finish for Middlesbrough this weekend.
For me, he still looks a tad heavy. That said, he was remarkably light on his feet to plough through a body of defenders only to crash the bar before bulging the net at close range for his well deserved goal.
A growing body of Super Eagles fans are starting to turn their backs on Iheanacho.
His name comes up as one of the undesirable trees with a forest of undesirables like Iwobi, Ndidi, Chukwueze, Aribo, Dennis and Uzoho to be permanently chopped off the Super Eagles lists. These fans think these players are washed-up.
Well, I disagree.
At present, Iheanacho does not deserve Super Eagles consideration based on poor form.
However, should he continue to work hard at Middlesbrough to be as sharp as cut-glass, he deserves a recall in September.
In his last 5 Afcon/world cup qualifiers, Iheanacho has 2 goals and 2 assists in the kitty. So, he knows his way about in tournament qualification terra-firma.
With that kinda output, I will be reassured to see him file out against Rwanda and South Africa where another 4 points will be manageable as I will be swinging for the fence to expect maximum 6 points.