By Kayode John
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho is hoping that his brace in Sevilla’s 3-0 victory over Las Rozas in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night will be the start of a goal-laden season.
Iheanacho joined Sevilla on a free transfer in the summer after his contract with Leicester City expired. However, he has struggled for game time, getting only 272 minutes of football, while the club has played 11 matches. However, coach Garcia Pimenta handed the Nigeria international a rare start in the cup game.
Iheanacho got his first and Sevilla’s second in the 61st minute after Stanis Idumbo’s cross was deflected in by Luis Gimenez for an own goal to give visitors the lead at the Estadio Navalcarbon. He then grabbed his second of the night in the 79th minute to give Sevilla a commanding victory.
The delighted 28-year-old is aspiring to find the back of the net often to help Sevilla finish well at the end of the 2024/2025 LaLiga campaign.
“I’m very happy to score my first goals for this club. Obviously, I haven’t had many opportunities, but I got one now, and I showed what I can do by scoring two goals, so I am very happy,” the Nigeria international told the Sevilla website.
“Thanks to the fans for their support, and to my teammates and coaches for helping me as well.
“Hopefully, there are more goals to come, and hopefully, Sevilla will be in the top six of LaLiga by the end of the season.”
Sevilla host Real Sociedad in LaLiga Liga this weekend and it remains to be seen if Iheanacho has done enough to make his first league appearance since September 29. He has been an unused substitute in the club’s last three league matches.
“I will be really happy to play in our stadium again. We have amazing fans and they always support the team no matter what,” he stated.
“Hopefully, I get a chance to play there, and hopefully, they will come out, support the team, and we win the game.”
