<p>The former Sevilla and Leicester City striker started on the bench but made the difference after coming on to score the winner, as the Hoops moved level with Heart at the top of the table ahead of their crucial clash with Rangers on Monday.</p>
<p>The Scottish champions went into the match needing a win to keep their title defence on track with only a few games remaining. They were handed an early advantage in the 21st minute when Hibernian were reduced to 10 men as Jamie McGrath was sent off for a challenge on Alistair Johnston.</p>
<p>Celtic made the most of their numerical advantage when Daizen Maeda finished neatly. The goal was initially ruled out but was awarded after a VAR review. However, Hibernian responded before the break as Joe Newell scored a controversial equalizer, as both teams went into the break with a 1-1 scoreline.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”3587″ height=”2391″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/j1JHaszgamxBlzCSqokcG8y8NVg=/3587×2391/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1075543238.jpg” alt=”Super Eagles and Celtic star Kelechi Iheanacho” class=”wp-image-910653″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Super Eagles and Celtic star Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: IMAGO/ DavidxYoung</figcaption></figure>
<p>Iheanacho was then introduced as Celtic pushed for a winner and the Nigerian forward made an immediate impact, scoring just two minutes after coming on to seal the victory.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Kelechi Iheanacho reacts to match-winner against Hibernian</h2>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”6417″ height=”4279″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/4b8FvBOCi3DN1eqDeu4pMlFY9TY=/6417×4279/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F03%2Fimago1066883412.jpg” alt=”Super Eagles and Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho” class=”wp-image-905902″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: xVMx/xMNxPressxIMAGO</figcaption></figure>
<p>Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho joined Celtic last summer and although his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, his recent form could have done enough to earn him an extension.</p>
<p>The 29-year-old has now scored four goals in his last five appearances for the Hoops and <a href=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/kelechi-iheanacho-reacts-fa-cup-semi-final”><u>recently netted a brace in their Scottish Cup semi</u><u>f</u><u>inal win over St Mirren</u><u>.</u></a></p>
<p>Speaking after the match, Iheanacho expressed delight at helping his side secure an important win and also revealed his readiness to contribute more heading into the final few weeks of the campaign.</p>
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<p>“I’m really pleased. I’m happy to be an impact today in the camp for my teammates and for the club. So I’m really happy”, <a href=”https://www.skysports.com/football/hibernian-vs-celtic/report/555739″><u>Iheanacho said, via Sky Sports.</u></a></p>
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<blockquote class=”wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow”>
<p>“I’m always ready, whether starting or coming on, so I need to just get my head straight and great finish.</p>
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<blockquote class=”wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow”>
<p>“So we’re going to get three points this is important for us going forward”, the Nigerian striker concluded.</p>
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<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”3221″ height=”2147″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/RlpbIfuot6jIlwiqNcji-8mM-qI=/3221×2147/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F02%2Fimago1070352180.jpg” alt=”Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic during the Premier Sports Cup Final” class=”wp-image-904183″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic during the Premier Sports Cup Final. Photo by IMAGO</figcaption></figure>
<p>Iheanacho will be hoping his recent goalscoring form can secure a bigger role at Celtic in the remaining games of the season, as they continue their push for the league title.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, they will also face Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final on May 23, giving them another opportunity to secure major silverware this season.</p>
