Kelechi Iheanacho has described Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph as a “proud moment” after scoring in the club’s 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park, helping the Hoops complete a remarkable domestic double.
The Nigerian forward came off the bench to score Celtic’s third goal of the afternoon, capping another memorable week after the club secured the Scottish Premiership title just days earlier.
Kelechi Iheanacho Scottish Cup Success Caps Remarkable First Season
Iheanacho’s goal in the Scottish Cup final was the perfect ending to what has been an eventful debut campaign in Scotland.
Introduced in the 58th minute for James Forrest, the Super Eagles striker made an immediate impact.
Just 15 minutes after entering the match, he latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Benjamin Nygren, raced beyond two defenders, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished to put the result beyond doubt.
Daizen Maeda had opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Arne Engels doubled Celtic’s advantage before halftime.
Although Josh Cooper pulled one back late for Dunfermline Athletic, Celtic remained comfortably in control throughout.
Speaking after the victory, Iheanacho reflected on lifting his first Scottish Cup trophy.
“It feels really good. My first Scottish Cup, I’m really happy. It was a crazy season, but we’re really happy we won.”
The trophy marked his second major honour in the space of seven days after Celtic’s Premiership title success.
Iheanacho Celtic Journey Continues with Trophy Double
Despite arriving only ten months ago, Iheanacho has quickly become an important figure for Celtic.
Reflecting on what the achievement means to the club and its supporters, Iheanacho said:
“This is such a proud moment for the club, for the fans, for everybody who cherishes this moment. I think this season will go down in the history of this club, so everybody will remember it for the last time. So we’re really happy that we’re celebrating like this with the fans.”
Looking back on his whirlwind first season in Glasgow, the 29-year-old admitted the journey has exceeded expectations.
“It’s been crazy to be fair. I’ve done ten months, I just came ten months, and I’ve won two trophies. So I’m happy, I’m so excited, as well as my family and the fans and everyone, so I’m really happy.”
With his current deal nearing its end, questions remain about Iheanacho’s future at the club. However, the striker revealed he hopes to remain in Glasgow for the new campaign.
“I hope so, I hope at the start of the season I’m still a Celtic player. But we’ll leave that to everyone in the club to sort that out.”
After a season filled with challenges, goals and silverware, Iheanacho’s Scottish Cup final goal may prove to be one of the defining moments of an unforgettable debut year in Celtic colours.