Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho inspired by Kanu, Okocha FA Cup memories

Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed his desire to emulate Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha in the English FA Cup.

With a record of seven goals in the annual knockout tournament, Iheanacho hopes to create good memories just like the Super Eagles' legends.

Kanu led Portsmouth to their second ever FA Cup triumph in 2008 with his 37th-minute effort in the final while Okocha featured for Bolton Wanderers and Daniel Amokachi who guided Everton to Wembley in 1995 with his brace against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final.

Ahead of the Foxes' cup visit to Peterborough United on Saturday, the Nigeria international has picked the African legends as inspiration that can spur him to win the FA Cup title.

“I think the FA Cup has great memories and I think there have been Nigerian legends that have played in it as well, like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu,” Iheanacho told LCFCTV.

“They’ve played in it, so it’s a great thing to play in the FA Cup. I have great memories. I hope I’ll be in it and have one great memory, which is winning the FA Cup.”

After settling for a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Iheanacho’s brace against Fleetwood Town at the King Power Stadium sent the Claude Puel’s men to the fourth round. And the Super Eagles forward has described his participation in the oldest football competition in the world as a beautiful experience.

“I think it’s a great competition and it’s a great thing to be scoring in the FA Cup,” he continued.

“I’m happy to be scoring in the FA Cup and I’m working hard every day, so it’s a great cup to be playing in.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to watch all of the games [when I was younger] but I think playing in it now makes it more beautiful.”

The former Manchester City forward disclosed that his efforts including the goal awarded by the video assistant referee against the League One outfit will linger in his memory for a long time.

“If there’s a favourite, it should be the two goals against Fleetwood the other day,” he added.

“It was a great game and it’s going to be a memory that people are going to keep talking about, and I’m going to keep talking about it as well! It’s a great memory.”