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Iheanacho: What Super Eagles star said after first Celtic brace vs St Mirren – ‘Blew them away’

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Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho could not hide his joy after scoring twice to help Celtic beat St Mirren F.C. 6-2 in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Sevilla forward came on late in the game, with the score at 2-2 after St Mirren had fought back strongly in normal time. Celtic needed someone to step up in extra time, and Iheanacho did exactly that.

He scored his first goal in the 96th minute, rising to meet a cross from James Forrest and heading the ball in at the near post. Just five minutes later, he struck again with a calm left-foot finish to complete his first brace for the club.

Those two goals were part of a quick four-goal burst from Celtic in extra time, turning a tense contest into a comfortable win. It was also an important personal moment for Iheanacho, who has had an up-and-down season since joining from Sevilla in September 2025. Injuries have limited his impact, but this performance showed what he can offer.

Speaking after the match, Iheanacho said: “It feels amazing. I can’t even express how I feel now. Obviously, it was 2-2 at the end of the game and we went to extra time and we blew them away. So it feels really good to be in the final.”

He added: “I’m really happy as well as the team. I don’t know how it feels for the fans, but for me, it would mean a whole lot for me because it’s been a while I haven’t won a silverware.”

The forward’s last major success came in 2024, when he helped Leicester City win promotion under Enzo Maresca. That long wait for another trophy has clearly been on his mind.

“I’ll be so delighted to win a silverware this season. So hopefully, together as a team, we can achieve that,” he said.

Nigeria and Celtic star Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo by IMAGO

What next for Celtic and Iheanacho?

Celtic’s victory means they will face Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final on May 23 at Hampden Park. It is a big chance for the club to win another major trophy and for Iheanacho to add to his career honours.

Before that final, however, there is still plenty of work to do in the league. Celtic are right in the middle of a tight Scottish Premiership title race. They sit just behind rivals Rangers and Heart of Midlothian with only a few games left to play.

Key matches are coming up quickly, including a huge clash against Rangers and a final-day meeting with Hearts.

These games could decide whether Celtic win the league title or fall short.

Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo Credit: Celtic /X

The Celts will be pleased to see Iheanacho firing, his recent form could not have come at a better time. His two goals took his tally to six in 18 appearances this season, and more importantly, they showed he is ready to deliver in big moments.

If he can keep this level going, he may play a major role in the final weeks of the campaign. Celtic are chasing a domestic double, the league and the cup, and players like Iheanacho could make the difference.

After a difficult start to life in Glasgow, this could be the turning point. One big night has already taken Celtic to a final. Iheanacho will be hoping it leads to something even bigger before the season ends.

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