Iheanacho joins English Championship side Boro on loan until the end of the season

SUPER Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has joined English Championship side Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season as the club mounts a last minute desperate bid to return to the Premier League.

Not new to Nigerian players, Middlesbrough have in the past had the likes of Mikel Obi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Chuba Akpom on their books. At the moment, the club is sitting seventh in the Championship table, just outside the play-off places, so has decided to add to its firepower upfront in a bid to gain promotion.

Iheanacho, 28, is no stranger to English football, having started his career at Manchester City and then made a move to Leicester City, where he spent seven seasons. In July last year, Iheanacho joined Spanish club Sevilla on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City but he has struggled to get playing time in Spain.

After 188 days with the La Liga outfit, Iheanacho opted for a loan move after being approached by Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick. With this move, Iheanacho will be hoping for a regular starting spot having fallen down the pecking order in the Sevilla team, especially after the arrival of Akor Adams from Montpellier.

In a post shared by Middlesbrough on their official social media page, Iheanacho was welcomed to the club. Iheanacho brings a wealth of experience to Middlesbrough and his arrival is expected to boost the team's attack as they push for promotion to the English Premier League.

Speaking yesterday, at the league game at home to neighbours and promotion-chasing rivals Sunderland, Mr Carrick said: “Obviously delighted Kelechi is joining us. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to be in time for tonight but he’d be an important player for us, have a big impact.

“We have got some good attacking players. We’ll have a good week’s training and settle everyone down again before we go again."

Iheanacho is expected to make his debut for Middlesbrough when they take on Sheffield United at the Bramall Lane on Wednesday, February 12. Sheffield United are another side keen on promotion this year as they are currently in second place, just two points behind league leaders Leeds United.