With Nigeria's Super Eagles facing a precarious and must-win situation in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, all eyes are turning to a familiar face enjoying a resurgence in Scotland: Kelechi "Senior Man" Iheanacho. 

After a turbulent period that saw his contract with Sevilla terminated, the forward's return to form with Celtic could not be more timely for a national team in desperate need of a boost.

Nigeria currently sits in a difficult position in their World Cup qualification group. After a mixed run of results, including draws and a loss, their path to the global tournament is far from secure. 

The team's recent performances under head coach Eric Chelle have lacked a consistent scoring threat, a problem exacerbated by the poor form of several key players. 

It was this dip in performance that led to Iheanacho's exclusion from the last Super Eagles squad, which managed to pick up four points from fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.

However, a reunion with his former Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers, has seemingly reignited Iheanacho's career. 

Since joining Celtic on a free transfer, the 28-year-old has been in sensational form, contributing a goal or an assist in each of his first three appearances. 

His latest contribution came in the Europa League against Crvena Zvezda, a clear sign that his confidence and clinical edge have returned.

The question now for coach Chelle is whether to recall the in-form forward for the crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers. 

Nigeria's next two matches, against Lesotho and Benin Republic, are non-negotiable must-wins to keep their qualification hopes alive. 

With the pressure mounting and goals at a premium, Iheanacho’s experience and renewed sharpness could be the exact tonic the Super Eagles need.

While the forward line already boasts talents like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Iheanacho's "Senior Man" reputation and his knack for crucial goals, a trait that has defined his career, make him a unique and valuable asset. His ability to play in multiple attacking positions also gives Chelle a tactical wildcard.

The decision now rests with the Super Eagles' management. Will Chelle stick with the players who salvaged a few points in the last international break, or will he acknowledge Iheanacho's impressive club form and give him a chance to force his way back into the national team setup at the most critical time? 

The answer will likely define a key phase of Nigeria's journey to the 2026 World Cup.