AFCON 2025
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho continued his impressive late-season form by scoring in Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench to score Celtic’s third goal as the Scottish champions completed a domestic double, having already secured the Scottish Premiership title earlier this month.
Japanese forward Daizen Maeda gave Celtic the lead in the 19th minute before Arne Engels doubled the advantage with a powerful long-range effort before halftime.
Dunfermline improved after the break and attempted to stage a comeback, but Iheanacho delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute.
The former Leicester City striker latched onto a through ball from Benjamin Nygren, skipped past defenders and the goalkeeper with brilliant footwork, and calmly finished into an empty net to put the result beyond doubt.
Substitute Josh Cooper later pulled one back for Dunfermline, but Celtic comfortably saw out the game to lift their 43rd Scottish Cup title.
The goal capped a remarkable turnaround for Iheanacho, whose move to Celtic initially appeared difficult following his arrival on a one-year deal after leaving Sevilla last summer.
Injuries and managerial instability disrupted his early months at the club, with questions raised about his fitness and long-term future at Celtic Park.
However, the Nigerian forward rediscovered top form during the closing stages of the season and became one of Celtic’s key attacking players.
Iheanacho played an important role in Celtic’s title-winning run, including scoring a dramatic late winner against Dundee during the club’s crucial stretch of victories.
He also starred in Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final triumph over St Mirren, where he scored twice to send the Hoops into the final.
Saturday’s success means Iheanacho has now won six major trophies in his senior club career, adding the Scottish Cup to previous honours including the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, EFL Championship title and Scottish Premiership crown.
Attention will now turn to the striker’s future, with his current one-year contract set to expire at the end of the season. His strong finish to the campaign could convince Celtic to reconsider extending his stay at the club.
