Kelechi Iheanacho, forward for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, marked his debut for Celtic with a stoppage-time penalty that secured a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock in a Scottish Premiership fixture at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Iheanacho, who joined Celtic from Sevilla in the final days of the transfer window, entered the match as a second-half substitute. With the score tied at 1-1, Celtic were awarded a penalty after a VAR review identified a handball inside the box. Iheanacho converted the penalty in the 96th minute, sending goalkeeper Max Stryjek the wrong way and ensuring all three points for his new club.
Earlier in the match, Celtic had taken the lead through Daizen Maeda, who scored with a header from a Marcelo Saracchi cross shortly after halftime. The equaliser by Kilmarnock left the game finely balanced until the late handball incident created the opportunity for Iheanacho to make an immediate impact.
The victory maintained Celtic’s unbeaten start to the season and highlighted the contribution of their recent transfer acquisitions.
Iheanacho, who had been questioned over his readiness and match fitness following his move from Spain, demonstrated composure and precision in a high-pressure moment, giving fans an early glimpse of his potential influence in Glasgow.
