Kelechi Iheanacho opens account in impactful Celtic debut

Kelechi Iheanacho made an instant impact upon his Celtic FC debut on Sunday with a late match winner from the penalty spot in a 2-1 Scottish Premiership victory at Kilmarnock.

Iheanacho 2-1
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— Celtic Goals (@CelticGoals_) September 14, 2025

Coming on in the 70th minute, Iheanacho showed his composure from the penalty spot by finishing deep into second half stoppage time to give the Bhoys a victory over their stubborn hosts. The late winner was crucial for the reigning champions, who were shockingly eliminated from the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty a couple weeks ago.

With fan protests ongoing, Celtic earned their first victory in two matches after following up their demotion to the UEFA Europa League with a scoreless draw against local rivals Rangers FC.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s difficult period

For the Nigerian striker, the goal will be a massive confidence boost after a difficult couple of seasons. After being released by Leicester City following an uninspired 2023-24 season, Iheanacho joined Sevilla in Spain but failed to make an impact. A loan followed to English second tier side Middlesbrough but the 28-year-old could only manage one goal in fifteen EFL Championship appearances.

After being released by Sevilla, Iheanacho landed in Glasgow and showed the potential impact he can make for a team that is currently low on confidence. A starting opportunity may await Iheanacho next Sunday when Celtic face second tier side Partick Thistle in the quarterfinals of the League Cup. Celtic will then begin play in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League the following Wednesday at Red Star Belgrade.

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