Nigeria striker, Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first goal for Middlesbrough to help spark a comeback in their 2-1 victory over Oxford United, strengthening Teesside hopes of a Sky Bet Championship play-off place.

The 28-year-old Nigerian forward found the net just three minutes into the second half, cancelling out Michal Helik’s opener for Oxford. Iheanacho finished confidently and powerfully after pouncing on Samuel Iling-Junior’s brilliant delivery from the left touchline, which was missed by Ciaron Brown.

The goal marked Iheanacho’s first league strike in nearly 18 months, ending a difficult goalscoring drought that had plagued him since leaving Leicester City last summer. The former Leicester striker had struggled to find form at both Sevilla and Middlesbrough, going seven league games without a goal since arriving on loan from the Spanish club in January.

Iheanacho’s relief was evident as he celebrated with his teammates, who pushed him to embrace the moment after his well-deserved goal. The Nigeria international had nearly scored before the break when his effort hit the crossbar after lifting his finish over goalkeeper Jamie Cumming.

The equaliser seemed to give Iheanacho a new lease of life as he became more influential in the match. He later played in substitute Morgan Whittaker down the right, who clipped a cross to the back post for Tommy Conway to head goalwards, forcing Cumming into a save.

Middlesbrough completed their comeback with 10 minutes remaining when Brazilian defender Neto Borges flicked in his first goal for the club. The stylish winner came after Iling-Junior, who was impressive down the left, played a clever one-two with Aidan Morris before delivering a low cross into the area for Borges to finish brilliantly beyond Cumming.

The victory has helped Middlesbrough win three home league games in a row for the first time since October 2023. They are now level on points with sixth-placed West Brom with seven matches remaining in the season, while Coventry sit two points further ahead.

For Iheanacho, fans will hope this opening goal is the beginning of a productive spell for the Super Eagles star as Middlesbrough push for a strong finish in their Championship play-off campaign.

Credit: punchng.com

Iheanacho celebrates first Middlesbrough goal in comeback win

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