Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has lifted the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership crown with Celtic after the champions secured a decisive win over Hearts at the Paradise on Saturday afternoon.
Celtic clinch the Premiership in Edinburgh showdown
Celtic confirmed the title after rallying to beat Hearts 3-1, with the outcome coming in a tense contest that kept both sets of supporters on edge as the match swung on key moments.
For the Hoops, it was a landmark triumph: the club have now won the Premiership for the 56th time in their history.
How the match unfolded
Hearts were first to strike, taking the lead in the 38th minute through Michael Steinwender.
- Arne Engels levelled for the home side late in the first half from the penalty spot.
- Iheanacho did not start the game, but he was introduced at the beginning of the second half.
Celtic’s late surge decides it
Celtic controlled large stretches of the second half, yet they struggled to turn dominance into a decisive finish until the closing stages.
The defining breakthrough arrived in the 87th minute. Daizen Maeda, the talisman for the side, met a delivery from Callum Osmand and fired a close-range effort past the goalkeeper to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Hearts’ desperation and Celtic’s counter
With the draw within reach and only a single result required to keep the title race alive, Hearts pushed numbers forward as the clock ticked down. In the final minute of stoppage time, they earned a corner and committed everyone—including their goalkeeper—to the attack inside the Celtic area.
- Callum McGregor intercepted the ball and set up a swift transition for Celtic.
- Osmand seized the opportunity, collected possession, and drove a counterattack toward the open Hearts goal.
- With no defender able to get back in time, Osmand calmly slotted the ball into the empty net to make it 3-1.
Iheanacho’s role and what it meant
Iheanacho’s presence proved crucial even without a starting berth. The Nigerian has mostly operated as an impact substitute under manager Martin O’Neill, and he was brought on to provide a similar game-changing influence in the title-deciding clash.
After Osmand’s late finish sealed the scoreline, the win ensured the Premiership trophy remained in Glasgow rather than moving to Edinburgh, ending the contest with Celtic confirmed as champions.
