Iheanacho becomes 4th Nigerian to be named EPL player of the month

Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester City striker, has been named the English Premier League (EPL) player of the month for March.

The Premier League broke the news on Friday via its website while also presenting Iheanacho with the award at Leicester’s training ground.

The 24-year-old Super Eagles forward secured the prize after a string of excellent performances in the league during the month in which he accumulated five goals.

“I’m so pleased and honoured to win this award,” he said while receiving the award.

“It’s great to be recognised, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team-mates and the manager.

“I’m really enjoying playing at the minute and hopefully I can push on and help the team to finish as high as possible this season.”

The former Manchester City youngster scored against Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, and then rounded off with a hattrick against Sheffield United at the King Power Stadium.

He also scored twice against Manchester United to knock the Red Devils out of the FA Cup competition at the quarter-final stage.

Iheanacho won the prize ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw in an eight-man shortlist.

The Leicester forward now joins the likes of Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (November 2003), Peter Osaze Odemwingie (September 2010, April 2011, November 2012), and Odion Jude Ighalo (December 2015), who have snagged the monthly award.

Leicester, third in the table, host league leaders Manchester City, on Saturday.