Goals, penalties and influential displays helped Iheanacho silence critics in Scotland
Kelechi Iheanacho’s journey to Scottish Premiership glory with Celtic this season has been one of redemption, resilience and timely impact.
Just months ago, the Nigerian striker arrived at Celtic Park carrying doubts about his future after an underwhelming spell in Spain with Sevilla. Today, the Super Eagles forward is celebrating a league title after helping Celtic secure the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership crown in dramatic fashion.
Celtic sealed their 56th league title on Saturday with a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over Hearts at Celtic Park. Although Iheanacho started the decisive encounter on the bench, his introduction at half-time proved crucial as Celtic transformed the tempo of the game and mounted relentless pressure on Hearts during the second half.
The visitors had stunned the home crowd after Lawrence Shankland gave Hearts the lead shortly before half-time, a result that temporarily placed the Edinburgh side on course for a historic league triumph. But Celtic responded through an Arne Engels penalty before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand completed a remarkable turnaround.
Iheanacho’s influence after coming on was immediate.
The Nigerian international added urgency, movement and attacking presence to Celtic’s frontline, forcing Hearts deeper into their own half as the champions searched desperately for goals. Reports from Scotland stated that Iheanacho also struck the woodwork during Celtic’s intense second-half pressure before the breakthrough eventually arrived in the closing stages.
For many Celtic supporters, however, Iheanacho’s contribution to the title success extends far beyond the final-day comeback.
One of the defining moments of Celtic’s season came earlier this month when the former Leicester City forward scored a dramatic 100th-minute penalty in a 3-2 comeback victory over Motherwell. The goal preserved Celtic’s title hopes and ensured the race would go down to the final day.
That moment has since become one of the most important goals of Celtic’s season.
After arriving in Glasgow on a one-year deal, Iheanacho initially needed time to settle into Scottish football. Reuniting with Brendan Rodgers — the manager under whom he enjoyed some of the best football of his Leicester City career — gradually helped restore his confidence.
As the season progressed, Iheanacho increasingly became an important figure during high-pressure moments.
Across all competitions, the Nigerian striker contributed important goals and assists for Celtic while providing experience and depth in attack during the latter stages of the campaign. His versatility across the frontline also gave Rodgers valuable tactical options during the title run-in.
Beyond statistics, Iheanacho’s season represented a personal comeback.
The 29-year-old had endured difficult periods over the past two years, with injuries and inconsistent form affecting his momentum after leaving Leicester City. Questions were raised about whether the former Manchester City academy graduate could still perform at the highest level in European football.
But his performances in Scotland have helped answer many of those doubts.
By the end of the campaign, Iheanacho had become one of Celtic’s most reliable attacking options during decisive matches, earning praise from supporters and pundits alike for his composure and experience under pressure.
The Scottish Premiership triumph also adds another major honour to Iheanacho’s career, having previously won the FA Cup, Community Shield and Premier League title during his years in England.
For Nigerian football fans, his resurgence at Celtic represents another positive story involving Nigerian players abroad. It also arrives at an important time for the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming international fixtures, with Iheanacho appearing to rediscover both form and confidence.
After years of fluctuating fortunes, the Nigerian striker has once again shown his ability to deliver on big occasions.
And in Celtic’s dramatic title-winning season, Kelechi Iheanacho proved exactly why experience still matters.