Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed the headlines after his performance for Celtic in their dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Sevilla forward stepped up to score the winner from the penalty spot in stoppage time as the Hoops kept their title defence alive heading into the final day of the 2025/26 season, as they remain locked in a fierce title race with current leaders Hearts.
Motherwell vs Celtic: What happened?
Celtic entered the clash on the back of an impressive 3-1 win over Rangers in the Old Firm derby and were unbeaten in their previous six matches across all competitions. However, they knew they had to avoid defeat to ensure the title race would go down to the final day of the season.
Things did not go according to plan for Martin O’Neill’s side early on. Despite a bright start, it was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Elliott Watt fired home from the edge of the box.
Celtic responded just before halftime as the in-form Daizen Maeda equalized with the help of the post to send both sides into the break level at 1-1.
The visitors then took the lead shortly after the restart when Benjamin Nygren found the back of the net to put Celtic ahead for the first time in the match. Super Eagles forward Iheanacho was introduced later in the second half and nearly produced a moment of brilliance with an ambitious effort from near the halfway line, but his shot drifted wide.
Motherwell drew level again in the 85th minute when Liam Gordon scored to make it 2-2 and set up a tense finish.
Drama unfolded deep into stoppage time when Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area following a VAR review, with the referee awarding Celtic a penalty. Iheanacho stepped up in the ninth minute of stoppage time and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters and players.
The victory ensured Celtic stayed one point behind Hearts heading into the decisive final-day clash at Celtic Park next week and a win would be enough to secure another league title for the Hoops.
Super Eagles player rating: Iheanacho shines as Celtic close in on title
Iheanacho once again started on the bench against Motherwell, but just as he has done in recent weeks, his impact off the bench proved decisive.
The Super Eagles forward converted the winning penalty under immense pressure and showed great composure to score his eighth goal of the season for Celtic and his fifth in his last eight appearances.
He had previously scored winning goals against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semifinal, as well as against Hibernian and Dundee FC in the league.
The 29-year-old came on in the 70th minute and won three duels during his time on the pitch. He also attempted two shots, including the decisive penalty. He finished the game with a 7.0 rating on Sofascore.
Unity Cup watch: Will Eric Chelle hand Iheanacho a Super Eagles recall?
Nigeria are set to defend their Unity Cup title in London later this month, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to announce his squad soon.
The Nigerian coach has already hinted that several fresh faces and fringe players could be included in the squad for the two-game tournament. Given Iheanacho’s recent form for Celtic, he could be in line for a return to the national team after a period away.
For now, Iheanacho’s focus will remain on helping Celtic finish the season strongly. They first face Hearts in a title-deciding clash this weekend before taking on Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final later this month.
