Iheanacho Marks European Debut for Celtic with Memorable Goal

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has described scoring on his European debut for Celtic as a moment he will always treasure.

The 28-year-old was on target in Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Partizan Belgrade on Thursday night in the Europa League.

Introduced as a substitute, Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a composed finish, before Marko Arnatovic equalised for the hosts 10 minutes later.

The goal was his second in three appearances for the Scottish Premiership champions since joining the club on a free transfer earlier this month.

“It felt really great, playing my first European competition with Celtic. I’m happy to get a goal for the team,” Iheanacho told the club’s official website.
“It was a great atmosphere, to be fair. We got a point here and hopefully we’ll get more points in the future.”

Opinion:
Iheanacho’s arrival at Celtic already looks like a masterstroke. Few players transition so quickly into a new team and begin making an impact on the European stage. His ability to come off the bench and change the game shows the kind of depth and attacking edge Celtic have been missing in recent seasons.

For the player himself, this goal could signal a revival. After years of ups and downs in the Premier League, Iheanacho’s move to Celtic offers him both regular football and the European platform he craved. Scoring on his European debut is not just a confidence booster; it’s a reminder of his quality and the finishing instincts that once made him one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents.

If he maintains this form, Celtic may not only have found a reliable goal scorer but also a leader for their European ambitions. And for Nigerian fans, it’s a joy to see Iheanacho writing a new, hopeful chapter in his career.