Nigeria international striker Kelechi Iheanacho is revel in the joy of scoring Leicester’s solitary winner against Walsall in the English FA Cup Fourth Round match at the Bescot Stadium, admitting that his best most often than not in the oldest national football competition in the world.
The 26-year-old came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as the Foxes defeated Walsall 1-0 to secure their spot in the fifth round.
Saturday’s match-winning goal was his 17th in 23 FA Cup matches since he made his debut in the competition with Manchester City in 2016.
He scored five goals in six FA Cup appearances for Manchester City and has since scored 12 goals for the Foxes in 17 appearances including Saturday’s game against Walsall.
“I’ve always loved this competition and the competition loves me, so I’m happy,” Iheanacho who also scored Foxes ‘ winner in the 1-0 defeat of Gillingham in round three, told Leicester City Football Club TV. “It’s a good game to get through to the next round, so we’re happy.
“For me, it’s no different in terms of the way I approach games, the way I play and all that. Any time I get my chance, I get on there and do my job.”
Regarded for his scoring instincts , the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner , admitted he was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time for grabbing the winner barely five minutes of joining the fray.
“It (the goal) took a deflection but obviously it was in and we are through, that’s the most important thing,” he further said.“ It’s for the team, we did it together, so everyone did their bit.
“We got the goal and we controlled the game. We played really well [in the second half], I think it was a good game. They were a really decent side as well, but we won the game.”
He admitted the FA Cup win would certainly boost his side’s morale in the battle to retain their English Premier League spot after an indifferent season where they are currently in the 14th position.
“We needed this to get to the Premier League now and build our confidence going into the league,’” he said in apt reference to forthcoming match away to Aston Villa this Saturday.
“The league is different, but I think we have the quality to go forward, so we need to stick together as a team and have the confidence to take the ball and to play so we can get up the table.”