For months, Kelechi Iheanacho battled frustration, waiting for the moment that finally arrived on Saturday.
When the ball hit the back of the net in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 comeback win over Oxford United, emotions took over, Footballrover reports.
It wasn’t just any goal—it marked the end of his long league goal drought and reignited belief in his abilities.
Carrick hails Kelechi Iheanacho’s ‘massive’ goal for Boro
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick didn’t hold back in his praise for Iheanacho, calling his equaliser against Oxford “massive” for both the team and the player.
The Nigerian forward, on loan from Sevilla, had not scored a league goal since 2023.
His last strike, before this crucial moment, came on December 5, 2024, in Sevilla’s 3-1 victory over Olot in the Copa del Rey.
Carrick highlighted the challenges Iheanacho faced, including a missed opportunity earlier in the match when his shot rattled the crossbar.
“Good player, you know; he’s a good player. 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 manager said in his post-match comments.
“The major thing I’ve learnt 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,” Carrick added.
Iheanacho ends long league goal drought in emotional fashion
The relief was evident as Iheanacho celebrated with his teammates, wiping away tears of joy.
More than just a personal milestone, the goal was a statement—he was back.
Carrick noted the importance of team support, crediting Middlesbrough’s collective effort in creating the chance.
Carrick claimed that the boys supported and stood by each other well and that Iheanacho was rewarded for his efforts with an important goal, which he believed would help boost the player’s confidence.
The coach also shared a light-hearted moment from the dressing room, joking about trying to keep teammate Neto from smiling too much.
But behind the humour was a crucial message: the team believed in Iheanacho, and now, with the drought behind him, he could focus on doing what he does best—scoring goals.
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