Kelechi Iheanacho continued his recent resurgence with a standout display for Middlesbrough, registering two assists in their 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in Friday night’s Championship clash.
The Nigerian forward, who scored his first goal for Boro in their 2-1 win over Oxford United last weekend, was rewarded with a starting spot by manager Michael Carrick. And he didn’t disappoint.
Iheanacho wasted no time making an impact, setting up Tommy Conway for the opener just two minutes into the game.
His well-weighted pass allowed Conway to flick the ball behind a defender and fire past goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.
Six minutes later, Iheanacho was at it again. This time, he teed up Samuel Iling-Junior, who struck a thunderous effort into the bottom corner to double Boro’s lead.
It was a confident, unselfish display from Iheanacho, who has clearly shaken off his early struggles at the club.
He could have had a goal himself in the 15th minute after breaking free one-on-one with Pears, but he couldn’t find the finish.
Another chance came just before halftime when Mark Travers picked him out, but once again, he couldn’t convert.
Middlesbrough’s win lifted them to fifth in the Championship, strengthening their push for a playoff spot and a potential return to the Premier League. Iheanacho was subbed off in the 85th minute, but his contribution had already sealed the win.
With his confidence back, the 28-year-old forward is now in a strong position to push for a Super Eagles recall especially with the upcoming four-nation friendly tournament in June and more World Cup qualifiers looming.
For a Middlesbrough side aiming to return to top-flight football, a fully fit and firing Iheanacho could be the X-factor they need.
