Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has sparked widespread reactions across social media after sending a playful message to Nigeria’s national team coach, Eric Chelle.
The lighthearted exchange occurred shortly after the former Manchester City striker helped Celtic F.C. secure the Scottish Premiership title following a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park.
Taking to his official social media accounts during the post-match celebrations, Iheanacho posted a photo holding the silverware with the caption advising any coach who needs a trophy to call him, while also giving thanks to the Almighty for a dramatic season.
The final day of the season carried immense pressure, with Celtic trailing league leaders Hearts by a single point before kickoff.
Hearts took an early lead through Lawrence Shankland, but Celtic managed to draw level just before the interval through an Arne Engels penalty.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill introduced Iheanacho as a halftime substitute to alter the team’s attacking dynamic.
The Nigerian international made an immediate impact, nearly scoring when his brilliant turn and shot struck the base of the post, before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealed the 56th league title in Celtic’s history.
Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland after the match, Iheanacho expressed his ecstasy over the victory, noting that the pressure was massive but it felt incredible to lift another piece of silverware after going a while without a trophy.
Scheduled to take place at The Valley stadium in Charlton from May 26 to May 30, the four-nation invitational tournament features Nigeria alongside Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India.
Coach Chelle had initially left Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare out of his provisional squad considerations to experiment with emerging talents and home-based players.
However, sports journalists writing for Legit.ng note that Iheanacho’s blazing club form at the tail end of the season presents a compelling argument for his inclusion.
Prior to the final-day decider, the forward had kept Celtic’s championship dreams alive by scoring crucial goals off the bench against Dundee, Hibernian, and a ninety-seventh-minute winning penalty against Motherwell.
Analysts argue that his proven ability to dictate the rhythm of a match under intense pressure is exactly what the Super Eagles require as they prepare for the tournament in London and the subsequent World Cup qualifiers later this year.
