Iheanacho Discusses Celtic Future After Super Eagles Star Performance in Scottish Cup Final

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has given an update on his future at Celtic following Saturday’s 3‑1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The Hoops secured a domestic double, a week after clinching the Scottish Premiership title with a dramatic 3‑1 win over Hearts, by defeating the lower‑division side by the same scoreline.

Celtic entered the match as favourites and took the lead in the 19th minute when in‑form Daizen Maeda produced a superb lob over the goalkeeper, before Arne Engels’ long‑range strike doubled the advantage in the 36th minute.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic poses with the William Hill Premiership Trophy. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnstonx

Iheanacho was introduced in the second half and thought he had made an immediate impact just minutes after coming on, but the Nigerian forward was denied by an offside flag against Yan Hyun‑jun in the buildup.

He eventually scored in the 72nd minute, showing superb footwork to evade three challenges before finishing into the net.

Dunfermline pulled one back in the 79th minute through Josh Cooper, but Celtic held firm to secure victory, avenging last season’s final defeat to Aberdeen.

Kelechi Iheanacho shares update on Celtic future

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has faced uncertainty over his future as the campaign draws to a close, with his contract at Celtic set to expire. There had been doubts about whether the Hoops would activate the option to extend it by a further year, due to the injuries he suffered during the season.

However, his strong showing towards the end of the campaign, which saw him score six goals in his last nine appearances off the bench, including decisive strikes in the league and a goal in the Scottish Cup final, has reignited discussions over a possible extension with the Scottish champions.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrate. Photo: VagelisxGeorgariouxImago

Speaking after the match, Iheanacho revealed that no final decision has yet been made regarding his future, with talks expected to follow.

“I don’t know, we will wait and see,” the 29‑year‑old told BBC Sport post‑match.

The Super Eagles forward also expressed his delight at winning his first Scottish Cup, describing it as a memorable end to a successful season in which he lifted two major trophies with the club.

“It feels really good to win my first Scottish Cup. It was tough to get here but we won the trophy.”

“It’s been a crazy season. It’s one we can remember for all our lives but we got there in the end so we’re happy,” he concluded.

Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: xVMx/xMNxPressxIMAGO

With the season now over, Iheanacho is expected to hold talks with Celtic over his future, although indications suggest he could remain at the club beyond the summer.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide 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.