"Kelechi Is a Class Act" — Lookman’s Cousin Hazeem Bakre Praises Iheanacho After Boro Loan Spell

 

Kelechi Iheanacho in action

Ademola Lookman’s cousin and Middlesbrough youth forward, Hazeem Bakre, has nothing but admiration for Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Speaking after the end of Iheanacho’s loan spell at Boro, Bakre hailed him as a “great player” and a personal inspiration.

On Friday, Middlesbrough officially released their retained list, confirming that Iheanacho would be returning to his parent club, Sevilla. He was one of five loanees heading out, along with Mark Travers, Ryan Giles, Sammy Iling-Junior, and Ben Doak.

Iheanacho had joined Middlesbrough in January, looking to reignite his form and find more consistent game time after limited opportunities at Sevilla. During his short stay, he featured in 15 Championship matches, scoring once and assisting twice. He played in nearly every game, missing only the 3-1 win over Stoke City.

Despite not lighting up the scoresheet, his impact and professionalism left a lasting impression, especially on younger players like Bakre.

“Kelechi is a great player,” Bakre told AllNigeriaSoccer. “He’s someone I’ve always looked up to. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, and I try to learn from his game to improve my own.”

And that record isn’t modest. Since going pro, Iheanacho has notched 86 goals and 45 assists in 322 appearances across top sides including Manchester City, Leicester, Sevilla, and now Middlesbrough.

Whether he stays at Sevilla or moves on, one thing is clear: Kelechi Iheanacho’s journey continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian talent.

Source: The Nation News