Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho is set to continue his impressive form in the FA Cup as his Leicester City team faces League Two side Walsall at the Banks’ Stadium in the fourth round of the competition, according to Sport Extra. Iheanacho played a crucial role in the Foxes’ advancement by scoring the winning goal in their third-round match against Gillingham. At just 26 years old, he has already established himself as the highest-scoring African in FA Cup history, surpassing legends Didier Drogba and Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Since making his FA Cup debut in 2016, Iheanacho has consistently found the back of the net, scoring in every season of the tournament except for the 2018/19 season. His remarkable record includes scoring 16 goals in just 22 appearances, making him the top scorer in the competition since his debut, with Harry Kane trailing behind with 15 goals. In the more than 120-year history of the FA Cup, only 15 players have scored more goals than Iheanacho.
In a recent match against Gillingham, Iheanacho broke a goalless deadlock in the 56th minute, assisted by Jamie Vardy, leading Leicester to a 1-0 victory. Throughout the match, Iheanacho showcased his skills and determination, culminating in the winning goal. After the game, he reflected on his nickname, “Mr. FA Cup,” which has become synonymous with his performances. “I can’t recall when it started, but whenever we are talking about FA Cup games, the talks are all about my goals and the nickname stuck on me,” he said.
Iheanacho’s prowess in the FA Cup was further highlighted in March 2021 when he scored twice against Manchester United in the quarter-finals, equaling Drogba’s record of 12 goals in the competition. He followed that performance with a winning goal in the semi-final against Southampton, propelling him to the top of the FA Cup scoring list for African players. That same season, he played a pivotal role in helping Leicester City secure their first-ever FA Cup trophy, contributing four goals to their historic success. Alongside his compatriot Wilfred Ndidi, Iheanacho’s achievement increased the number of Nigerians who have won the FA Cup to nine, joining the ranks of notable players such as Daniel Amokachi, Celestine Babayaro, Nwankwo Kanu, John Utaka, Mikel Obi, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Moses.
As Leicester prepares for their next match, fans are left wondering if Iheanacho’s goals will once again lead the Foxes to victory. With his track record, it is hard to bet against “Mr. FA Cup” making an impact once more.
Comments are closed for this story.