Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has won the Scottish Premiership title with Celtic, following a dramatic 3-1 victory over Hearts at Celtic Park yesterday.
The Hoops welcomed title rivals Hearts to Glasgow for their final game of the season yesterday. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with the match serving as a winner-take-all decider for the Premiership crown.
Sitting one point adrift of their visitors, Celtic desperately needed a win. However, their title hopes took a hit when Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring for Hearts in the 43rd minute.
Fortunately for the hosts, Arne Engels drew them level from the penalty spot just before the break.
Although Iheanacho did not start, he was introduced at the beginning of the second half.
The Nigerian has primarily functioned as an impact substitute under manager Martin O’Neill, and he was called upon to deliver a similar game-changing performance.
While Celtic dominated most of the second half, they struggled to find a clinical breakthrough. The atmosphere at Celtic Park was palpable with tension, knowing a single goal would determine whether the Premiership trophy stayed in Glasgow or traveled to Edinburgh.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute, and it belonged to Celtic. Talisman Daizen Maeda connected with a cross from Callum Osmand, smashing a close-range shot into the back of the net to send the home fans into raptures.
Although Iheanacho did not get on the scoresheet against Hearts, his impact on the match was undeniable.
His introduction injected urgency into Celtic’s play, providing a physical presence in the final third that galvanized the Hoops’ attack.