Kelechi Iheanacho Penalty Keeps Celtic’s Scottish Premiership Title Hunt Alive After Dramatic Motherwell Win

Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title defence remains firmly on track after substitute Kelechi Iheanacho converted a decisive stoppage-time penalty to seal a 3-2 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

The Super Eagles forward, introduced from the bench, stepped up under considerable pressure and sent goalkeeper Calum Ward the wrong way, sparking jubilant scenes among the travelling Celtic support. The result means the Glasgow club head into the final matchday of the season still in contention to retain domestic supremacy.

“To be fair, I don’t have words, I don’t know how, but we’ve done it,” Iheanacho told Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of the victory. Acknowledging the charged atmosphere inside Fir Park, the striker added, “As you can see, the fans are still shouting, and we’re happy, and we have one more to go. We need to get back now and focus on that.”

On the tension he felt before striking the penalty, Iheanacho was candid. “I just kept cool, and it’s scary, but thankfully we got the victory, so we’re happy,” he confessed.

The goal carries added weight given the difficult debut season the 29-year-old has navigated since arriving at Celtic Park on a free transfer. Persistent injury setbacks curtailed his availability throughout the campaign, yet he has still managed eight goals and one assist across 22 appearances in all competitions — a return that underlines his value to Martin O’Neill’s squad when fit.

The former Leicester City man — who spent six years at the King Power Stadium before departing — has increasingly emerged as a key figure in the closing weeks of the season, delivering in moments where the stakes have been at their highest. His penalty at Fir Park continues that pattern.

Celtic’s final league fixture against Hearts of Midlothian now takes on enormous significance. Should the Hoops secure the required result, they will add the Scottish Premiership title to their collection, with Iheanacho’s contributions in the run-in proving central to keeping that possibility alive.

For Iheanacho, silverware in Scotland would represent a significant milestone following his departure from English football, offering vindication for a move that had been complicated by the physical setbacks of his opening months at the club. With one match remaining, Celtic and their Nigerian forward have every reason to believe the title is within reach.