Iheanacho Helps Celtic Win Scottish Premiership Title

Kelechi Iheanacho sealed a dream first season at Celtic as the Glasgow side stormed back to beat Hearts 3-1 and clinch the Scottish Premiership on a dramatic afternoon at Celtic Park.

Celtic went into the final day needing victory to leapfrog Hearts at the summit. The visitors struck first when Lawrence Shankland powered in a header from a Stephen Kingsley corner two minutes before the break.

The hosts hit back deep into first-half stoppage time. Arne Engels converted from the spot after Kieran Tierney’s cross struck the arm of Alexandros Kyziridis.

Tension gripped the stadium for much of the second half until the title race exploded into life three minutes from time. Daizen Maeda turned in Callum Osmand’s cross. The effort was initially flagged offside, but VAR overturned the call, sending Celtic Park into chaos.

Osmand then sealed the title moments later, racing clear from inside his own half to roll the ball into an empty net after Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had ventured forward in desperation.

Supporters flooded the pitch at the final whistle as Celtic secured a 14th title in 15 years and a fifth straight crown. The triumph also moved them past Rangers in total league titles with a record 56 championships.

Iheanacho, introduced from the bench, played a key role in the late surge. The Nigerian struck the base of the post and helped pin Hearts back as the pressure mounted before the decisive breakthrough.

The 29-year-old ends the campaign with eight goals in 22 appearances despite recurring hamstring injuries. His strikes earned Celtic eight points and made him the club’s highest-scoring Nigerian player. A 98th-minute penalty winner against Motherwell in midweek had kept the title race alive and set the stage for the finale.

Interim boss Martin O’Neill guided Celtic to the title for the fourth time and first since 2005 after steadying the club during a turbulent season.

Attention now turns to the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park against Dunfermline Athletic, where a domestic double is within reach.

Iheanacho confirmed before kick-off that talks over his future would begin after the season. His decisive role in the title triumph may have strengthened his position.