2026 WCQ: Kelechi Iheanacho Sends Message to Eric Chelle With Trademark Goal, Video
- Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has rewarded coach Brendan Rodgers' fate with his performance
- The Nigerian international registered his name in the scoresheet for Celtic during the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday night, September 24
- Super Eagles prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic
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Kelechi Iheanacho scored Celtic's only goal in their 1-1 draw against Crvena Zvezda in their 2025 UEFA Europa League opening match on Wednesday night, September 24.
The Super Eagles forward replaced Daizen Maeda in the 46th minute and scored for the Scottish champions in the 55th minute.
The Serbian side responded in the 65th minute when Marko Arnautovic headed home from a well-worked corner.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian international has won the hearts of the fans during the encounter as he was previously criticised due to his previous form.
Celtic will take on Hibernian on Saturday, September 27 in their quest to defend the Scottish Premiership, per PM News.
Iheanacho had scored his first goal for the reigning Scottish champions against Kilmarnock at the Rugby Park on September 14.
He converted a penalty-kick in the 96th minute to secure three points for Brendan Rodgers'side as they won 2-1, per Punch.
How did Iheanachi end up in Celtic?
Scottish Premiership giants Celtic confirmed that Kelechi Iheanacho had joined them on a one-year contract with the option of another year.
The former Manchester City forward was in talks with the Old Firm club over a move on deadline day, but the move could not be completed in time, according to Sky Sports.
Iheanacho joined Spanish side Sevilla during the summer of 2024, but could not meet up to expectations, and was loaned out to Middlesbrough in January 2025.
Both parties agreed to mutually part ways on September 2 after the Nigerian forward failed to secure a move before the transfer window closed.
Fans react
@j94626377 said:
"Brendan knows how to use him remember that year together they won fa cup in Leicester City."
@FadaChristmas_ wrote:
"Happy to see Kelechi reunited with Brendan Rogers at Celtic. Come on senior man!"
@MiraculousSound added:
"It's critical for football players to go to clubs where their game style will be accepted, also playing under coaches that will give them the opportunity to prove themselves not just for the money or for the name of the club. His carrier will definitely be revived."
@lezkid said:
"Sevilla was a wrong move for him. Thankfully he terminated his contract. Time for Taiwo Awoniyi to leave Nottingham Forest."
Source: Getty Images
Iheanacho's chances with Super Eagles
Nigeria's coach Eric Chelle is yet to release the provisional list for the Super Eagles' matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With the recent form of Kelechi Iheanacho, Eric Chelle might be forced to include the 2023 AFCON runner-up.
The former Manchester City star featured in the 2025 Unity Cup, where Nigeria defeated Ghana and Jamaica.
Eguavoen backs Chelle's decision on Iheanacho
Legit.ng earlier reported that Augustine Eguavoen has praised Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s decision to include Middlesbrough’s Kelechi Iheanacho in the 39-man provisional list on March 4.
The Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) emphasized that the former Manchester City player’s experience and attacking ability have long been valuable assets for Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng
