Super Eagles star Kelechi Iheanacho finally found the net for Middlesbrough, ending his Championship goal drought in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Oxford United on Saturday.
After a frustrating start to life at the Riverside, the Nigerian forward delivered when it mattered most, keeping Boro’s promotion ambitions alive, Footballrover reports.
First Middlesbrough goal comes at a pivotal moment for Kelechi Iheanacho
Before this breakthrough, Iheanacho had endured seven league games without scoring for Michael Carrick’s side.
His last competitive goal dated back to December 2024, when he netted in the Copa del Rey for Sevilla.
However, the 28-year-old striker, currently on loan from Sevilla, ended his barren spell just three minutes into the second half.
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Latching onto a precise cross from the left wing, he rifled the ball into the roof of the net, drawing Middlesbrough level in front of their home fans.
His work for the day was done by the 75th minute when he was substituted.
Five minutes later, Brazilian defender Neto Borges stepped up to complete the turnaround, netting the decisive goal that sealed all three points for Boro.
Play-off race heats up as Boro climb the table
This victory could prove crucial in Middlesbrough’s push for a Championship play-off spot.
With 57 points, they now sit seventh in the standings, level on points with sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion, who currently hold the final play-off position on goal difference.
As the race for promotion intensifies, Iheanacho’s timely first Middlesbrough goal might be the spark Boro needs to secure their place in the play-offs.
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