Super Eagles attacker delivers under pressure in controversial victory over Motherwell.
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho produced a dramatic late moment for Celtic after converting a 100th-minute penalty in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Motherwell on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian international kept his composure deep into stoppage time to score the decisive goal after a controversial VAR review awarded Celtic a penalty for handball at Fir Park. The dramatic result ensured the Scottish Premiership title race will now be decided on the final day of the season.
Motherwell had twice threatened to derail Celtic’s title hopes after Elliot Watt opened the scoring before Liam Gordon later equalised in the second half. However, goals from Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren kept the visitors alive before Iheanacho’s last-gasp intervention sealed all three points.
The decisive moment arrived after referee John Beaton was instructed to consult the pitchside monitor following a potential handball incident involving Motherwell defender Sam Nicholson. After reviewing the footage, the referee pointed to the spot, allowing Iheanacho to calmly slot home amid chaotic scenes inside the stadium.
The controversial decision immediately sparked strong reactions across Scottish football, with rival fans, pundits and managers debating whether the penalty should have been awarded. Hearts manager Derek McInnes reportedly described the call as “disgusting” after the result dramatically altered the title race picture heading into the final weekend.
Despite the controversy, Iheanacho’s contribution proved massive for Celtic, who remain one point behind league leaders Hearts ahead of a decisive final-day showdown between both sides at Celtic Park. Celtic must now defeat Hearts to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
The goal also continued Iheanacho’s impressive impact since arriving in Scotland, with the former Leicester City striker increasingly becoming an important attacking figure for Celtic during the title run-in. His experience and composure under pressure were evident once again in one of the biggest moments of the Scottish football season.
Nigerian football fans will also be encouraged by Iheanacho’s recent performances ahead of upcoming Super Eagles fixtures, especially as the striker continues rebuilding momentum after an inconsistent spell in England.
Celtic now head into the final day knowing only victory against Hearts will be enough to secure another Scottish Premiership crown, with Iheanacho expected to play another key role in the high-stakes encounter.