Born on October 3, 1996, Nigerian professional football player Kelechi Promise Iheanacho represents both the Nigerian national team and Leicester City of the EFL Championship as a striker.
Profile summary
| Full name | Kelechi Promise Iheanacho |
| Also known as | Senior man |
| Date of birth | October 3, 1996 |
| Place of birth | Obogwe, Imo State |
| State of origin | Owerri, Imo State |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Footballer |
| Gender | Male |
| Net worth | $5 million |
| Marital status | Single |
Early life and education
On October 3, 1996, Kelechi Iheanacho was born in Obogwe, the community in Imo State, Nigeria. Elder James Iheanacho and Mercy Iheanacho (of hallowed memory) are his parents. He is the last son of four siblings, three boys and one girl and the third born in his family.
Every day, Kelechi played football in his school and on the street with his two brothers and friends. As a child, football was all he ever wanted to do. Although his older siblings were superb football players as well, they had the same level of drive as their younger brother.
They eventually gave him all the support he required after seeing it was his destiny. In addition to being a gifted young football player, Kelechi was ranked in the top three students in his class when he was in nursery and primary school. At first, his parents were more proud of his academic achievements than his exceptional football skills.
His family owned a TV, but he was unable to watch Premier League matches. He would occasionally be chased away if he was unable to pay the price to see these live sports. It was a tough conversation to get his parents, especially his father, to support and embrace his ambition to play football.
As his side prevailed in the state tournament, Kelechi emerged as his state’s most promising young football player. This was a major career turning moment for him and made his father very proud. His father enrolled him in Owerri’s Taye Academy in 2011.
Iheanacho began his professional career at the Taye Academy in Owerri, Imo State, which is how the managers of the Nigerian national football team’s U-17 squad first became aware of him. His career truly began with this, and it has garnered him the name “Senior man”.
Parents and family
Elder James, his father, is now his son’s main representative and point of contact for football-related transactions. Elder James was formerly a building materials trader in Owerri. But the player is properly represented by an agency that works via his father.
Not much is known about his mother, but a lot about his father. Following a brief illness, Mrs. Mercy Ihenacho, passed away. When Kelechi Ihenaco’s kid was 14 years old, his mother passed away. When the 43-year-old mother of four children passed away, his family was completely taken aback by the news.
Kelechi Iheanacho is the last son of four siblings, three boys and one girl and the third born in his family. Known online as “Chibless,” his sister is a social media virtuoso and fashionista. Chibuike, an adolescent, is one of his siblings; it is believed that he was born after the passing of his mother. It’s uncertain if she passed away giving birth. Having taken over his father’s previous firm, his older brother is currently among South East Nigeria’s largest importers of building supplies.
Career
He was signed by Manchester City in December 2012, but he didn’t start playing for them until 2014, the year he turned 18. This was in spite of Sporting CP Lisbon, FC Porto, and Arsenal’s attempts to sign him. On January 10, 2015, Iheanacho was ultimately accepted into Manchester City’s Academy after receiving all the necessary permissions. Later on in the season, he started playing official club games with the different young teams. He was elevated to the first squad a few months later, and he immediately made an impression.
Many thought he would take the place of Sergio Aguero, who was starting to slow down due to injury. He contributed significantly to their 2015–16 campaign as a dependable bench option. During 2017. In August 2017, he signed for Leicester City, and that’s when his career took off.
He has developed into a cult legend at the King Power thanks to his several FA Cup and Premier League game-saving exploits. Even though he won Leicester City’s Player of the Year title for 2022–2023—his efforts fell short of what the squad needed to survive.
Career with the national team
Following his six goals and seven assists to earn the Golden Ball award for player of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Nigeria won, Iheanacho was called up to the Nigeria senior national team as a replacement in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Eswatini. He did not make the final roster for the 2014 World Cup and did not represent Nigeria in a tournament until the 2018 World Cup.
His next tournament appearance came in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, as a result of the Super Eagles manager at the time, Gernot Rohr, passing him over in the 2019 AFCON final roster selection. In 45 caps for Nigeria, he has scored 12 goals.
Personal life
There are no reports of Kelechi Iheanacho showing off his girlfriend. He may be dating, but he hasn’t made it official yet.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Net worth
Thanks to his football revenues, influencer collaborations and campaigns, and the businesses he founded in Nigeria and overseas, his net worth is believed to be approximately $5 million.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Salary
Kelechi Ihanacho at Leicester City reportedly makes £60,000 a week, according to several sources.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Cars
Three vehicles have been seen with him: a Range Rover, a $260,000 BMW 18, and a $41,495 Mercedes C300.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Houses
He owns a property in Lagos estimated to be worth $2.8 million and a house in Manchester valued at $2.4 million. In addition, he has homes in the villages of Obogwe and Imo, his home state.
