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Kelechi Iheanacho was the hero for Celtic against Dundee on Easter Sunday, drawing attention from the media in his homeland.
The striker’s first goal of 2026 was the reason for the team’s win on the day, after an intense 90 minutes of football.
Iheanacho was a substitute for Tomas Cvancara, who struggled in his performance after starting the game. In scoring the winner, the 29-year-old made a case to be the starting striker for the remainder of the season.
Since moving to Glasgow, he has been without a call-up for Nigeria, but that hasn’t prevented the media from paying attention to his exploits in Hoops.
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Premium Times: Celtic’s difference-maker
Major outlet Premium Times wrote: “Pressure can either expose or elevate, and for Kelechi Iheanacho, it did the latter.
“After weeks of criticism and a long injury-disrupted spell, the forward emerged as the difference-maker for Celtic in their crucial win over Dundee FC at Dens Park.
“Celtic had taken the lead through Hyun-Jun Yang but lost control, allowing Simon Murray to equalise after a defensive lapse.
READ MORE: Celtic fans spot brilliant moment between Mark Fotheringham and Kelechi Iheanacho after Dundee win
Mark Fotheringham and Kelechi Iheanacho after Celtic vs Dundee – Credit: Sky Sports
“Introduced in the second half, Iheanacho replaced Tomas Cvancara and delivered instantly, finishing Marcelo Saracchi’s cross to secure all three points.
“It was his first goal since 5 October 2025, ending a six-month drought. Now with four goals in 17 appearances, he may yet play a decisive role as Celtic chase the title, sitting three points behind Heart of Midlothian, while Rangers remain just one point off the summit.”
Celtic striker choice – credit: Getty Images Soccernet: strength and sharpness
Soccernet.ng reported: “The Nigerian striker came up with the decisive moment late in the game, scoring in the 82nd minute to give Celtic a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Dens Park.
“It was his fourth goal of the season and his first since early October, ending a long wait in front of goal.
“Iheanacho had not had an easy campaign. Injuries, especially a hamstring problem, kept him out for several weeks.
“But on this occasion, he showed his strength and sharpness when it mattered most. Coming off the bench, he replaced Tomas Cvancara and made an instant impact.
“He battled past a defender and calmly finished from a cross delivered by Marcelo Saracchi. The goal proved crucial. It secured all three points for Celtic and kept their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.”
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty ImagesThe Punch:
The nation’s most widely-read newspaper, The Punch said: After enduring criticism before the international break, Iheanacho emerged as Celtic’s match-winner…
“Coming off the bench to seal a crucial victory over Dundee FC at Dens Park and keep their Premiership title ambitions alive
“Introduced in the second half, Iheanacho replaced Cvancara and made an instant impact, converting Marcelo Saracchi’s cross to secure all three points.
“The result moves Celtic within three points of Hearts, while Rangers remain one point off the top. It was Iheanacho’s first goal since scoring against Motherwell on October 5, 2025, ending a six-month drought largely caused by injury setbacks.
“He now has four goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this season.”
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