Celtic coach comments on Iheanacho after Motherwell victory

Celtic head coach Martin O’Neill commented on Kelechi Iheanacho’s performance in Wednesday’s 3‑2 win over Motherwell, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The Super Eagles forward again attracted attention after scoring a stoppage‑time winner that secured the Hoops’ victory and kept their title hopes alive for the final day of the season.

Celtic extended a winning streak to seven matches across all competitions. Motherwell opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Elliott Watt, but Daizen Maeda equalised for Celtic before the break. Benjamin Nguren gave the visitors a lead early in the second half, and the game seemed poised for a Celtic win until Liam Gordon restored parity for the home side late on.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnston

In stoppage time, Celtic were awarded a controversial penalty for handball. Iheanacho stepped up calmly and converted, sealing the win for his side.

Martin O’Neill praises Iheanacho’s super‑sub performance against Motherwell

With the match, Iheanacho’s season tally rose to eight goals. The Nigerian has scored five goals in his last eight appearances, including decisive strikes against Dundee FC and Hibernian in the league, and a late brace against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi‑final that propelled Celtic to the final.

After the game, Martin O’Neill highlighted Iheanacho’s impact and composure under pressure, especially regarding the decisive penalty.

Celtic coach Martin O’Neill. Copyright: IMAGO

“Iheanacho has been terrific for us with the little cameo roles that he’s done,” the Celtic boss said after the match. “He’s had a really frustrating time this season with hamstring problems, but he has come up big for us in these weeks, absolutely big, and he was the one taking the penalty. I was delighted that he was the one who was taking it.”

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic applauds the fans. Photo credit: VagelisxGeorgariouxImago

Celtic are one win away from defending their league title. A victory against Hearts at home in the final league match would secure the championship for a second consecutive year.

The Hoops will then focus on the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic, with a domestic double still within reach.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. He has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.