Three in a Row! Iheanacho Strikes Again to Rescue Celtic in Serbia

Nigerian forward continues red-hot form and sends Rodgers a message about starting status

Kelechi Iheanacho is quickly becoming Celtic’s man of the moment. The Super Eagles forward came off the bench to score a crucial equalizer in Celtic’s 1-1 away draw against Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in their UEFA Europa League Group H opener on Wednesday night.

Introduced at halftime with Celtic trailing in momentum and ideas, Iheanacho wasted no time. Just ten minutes into the second half, he latched onto a clever ball from Benjamin Nygren and calmly slotted home the opener. His third goal involvement (2 goals, 1 assist) in just three games since joining the Scottish giants.

Rodgers, who had benched Daizen Maeda after a flat first half, praised the Nigerian’s all-round impact, not just the goal.

“We needed someone who could hold the ball up and let us play. Kels gave us that. He was excellent,” Rodgers told the press. “His body strength, movement, and link-up play allowed us to push forward and control the game more.”

Crvena Zvezda would eventually equalize through former Premier League man Marko Arnautović in the 65th minute, but Iheanacho’s contribution remained the defining moment of Celtic’s second-half resurgence.

The 26-year-old forward continues to build momentum in Glasgow, following up his domestic debut goal with another important strike on the continental stage. His ability to come off the bench and change the game is now giving Rodgers a major selection headache.

Iheanacho’s performance in Serbia wasn’t just about the goal. He completed 34 passes, registered a key final-third delivery, and pressed defenders with intensity.

For Nigerian fans, it’s a welcome sight. After a difficult spell at Leicester City, the Super Eagles attacker looks revitalized and hungry in green and white.

With games coming thick and fast, and Maeda seemingly out of rhythm, many Celtic supporters and pundits alike are calling for Iheanacho to start regularly. And if he continues at this rate, Brendan Rodgers may have no choice.

Hots Scoops Take

Iheanacho isn’t just scoring goals; he’s rewriting his narrative. From overlooked at Leicester to influential at Celtic, the Nigerian international is on a mission. And Rodgers is listening. With games coming thick and fast, and Maeda seemingly out of rhythm, many Celtic supporters and pundits alike are calling for Iheanacho to start regularly. And if he continues at this rate, Brendan Rodgers may have no choice.

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