Four-goal Iheanacho keeping feet on the floor

Dubai: New Nigerian hero Kelechi Iheanacho revelled in his four-goal haul in Saturday’s incredible 6-1 win over defending Fifa Under-17 World Cup champions Mexico, before warning his teammates they have to keep up their high standards if they are to win a fourth world title at this age group.

The Africans tore El Tri apart at Al Ain’s Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium to lay down a marker for the rest of the tournament. And at the heart of it was four-goal hero Iheanacho and his classy strike partner Success Isaac.

“I’ve scored four goals in a game many times, but only in the streets with my friends,” Iheanacho told Fifa.com after the match. “Never in an international match, never for my country. The feeling is amazing.

“Sure it’s a big win in our first game,” he added. “We have to have courage now and determination to keep going, to go all the way.”

Before the game, Nigeria coach Manu Garba had spoken about his potent attack, but he kept quiet on just how good the tall, pacy Iheanacho is. And the striker praised Garba for the work he has done with this Golden Eaglets squad.

“The coach gives us the freedom to be ourselves, which is the reason why we look so comfortable out there,” Iheanacho said. “He’s the boss and if we’re smart we’ll listen to what he says, because he knows what he’s talking about.”

After each of his goals, Iheanacho performed a dance at the corner flag — but he insisted that it’s not a traditional Nigerian performance. “No, no, no, this is the celebration move of my favourite professional wrestler,” Iheanacho said of Daniel Bryan, who also goes by the name the American Dragon. “I watch him on TV and I love the way he whips up the crowd this way, so I decided to copy it. The fans seemed to like it, too.

“I was totally over the top with joy when that first goal went in.”

The theme song of Iheanacho’s favourite wrestler is Europe’s The Final Countdown, which is suitable considering this Nigerian side are now favourites to play in the final match in Abu Dhabi on November 8.