Former Manchester City star Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo by IMAGO
Manchester City have paid tribute to Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho by recognising him as one of the top five African players in the club’s Premier League history.
In a video shared across the club’s official social media channels, City spotlighted the five African stars with the most Premier League appearances for the club.
Iheanacho, now at Sevilla, featured at number four on the prestigious list, behind Yaya Touré, Riyad Mahrez, and Kolo Touré.
The Nigerian forward made 46 Premier League appearances during his time at the Etihad, scoring 12 goals across two seasons.
He first broke into the spotlight in the 2015–16 campaign under Manuel Pellegrini, netting against Crystal Palace, Swansea, Tottenham, Southampton, and Stoke City.
Our African Blues! pic.twitter.com/X7OBV8BSW2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 30, 2025
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The following season, under Pep Guardiola, he continued his scoring form with strikes against Manchester United, Bournemouth, Hull City, and another goal against Southampton — his favourite opponent, having scored three goals against the Saints overall.
In total, Iheanacho played 64 matches for City in all competitions, registering 21 goals and 7 assists before departing in 2017 for Leicester City after lifting the EFL Cup in 2016.
His time with the Foxes proved fruitful, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and helping the club secure promotion back to the Premier League by lifting the EFL Championship title. Iheanacho ended his seven-year stint at Leicester in 2024, joining Spanish side Sevilla as a free agent.
Iheanacho’s inclusion in the top five reflects not only his impact at Manchester City but also the legacy of African players at the club.
The full top five includes: Yaya Touré (230 appearances), Riyad Mahrez (145), Kolo Touré (82), Kelechi Iheanacho (46), and Wilfred Bony (36).
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.