Iheanacho Wins Scottish Premiership Title With Celtic

GLASGOW — Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has won the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title with Celtic. The Glasgow club beat Heart of Midlothian 3-1 in a dramatic final-day showdown at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Iheanacho became only the second Nigerian international to win the Scottish Premiership with Celtic. He played a key role in the club’s title run, scoring eight goals in 23 appearances across all competitions. Seven of those goals came from the bench.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, who returned to the club on an interim basis, praised every player in the squad. He said the title was the result of extraordinary teamwork and belief. “I genuinely cannot believe it. It is like a dream,” O’Neill said after the final whistle.

Hearts had led the Scottish Premiership standings for around 250 days this season. They came to Celtic Park knowing a draw would be enough to win their first title since 1960. For long stretches, they looked capable of doing exactly that.

The Dramatic Comeback

Hearts scored first through Austrian defender Michael Steinwender in the 38th minute. However, Celtic responded before half-time. Arne Engels equalised from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to send the teams level at the break.

Iheanacho entered the match at half-time, replacing Sebastian Tounekti. His physical presence and movement immediately unsettled the Hearts defence. In the 86th minute, Daizen Maeda put Celtic ahead, though VAR initially flagged it for offside before confirming the goal.

Callum Osmand then sealed the title in stoppage time with a goal into an empty net as Hearts pushed forward looking for an equaliser. Celtic Park erupted. Iheanacho and his teammates celebrated wildly at the final whistle.

What It Means for Nigeria

For Nigeria, Iheanacho’s title win is a morale boost heading into the June international friendlies against Poland and Portugal. The striker is in fine form and sharp mentally after such a dramatic season-ending performance.

In addition, Ademola Lookman scored a vital goal as Atletico Madrid beat Girona 1-0 in their final La Liga home game on Sunday. Lookman finished the season with nine goals and three assists across all competitions. He is another Super Eagles forward in outstanding form.

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle is watching all his Europe-based players closely ahead of the June fixtures. With AFCON 2027 qualifiers on the horizon, Nigeria needs its best attackers fit, available, and in top form.