Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has praised his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho for his recent form with Celtic FC and has tipped the former Manchester City forward to earn a new deal with the club when his loan spell expires this summer.
“Iheanacho has shown what he can do and I am not surprised that he has been in good form recently with Celtic,” the former Lazio midfielder said. “He might not be the fastest player, but he is a very smart footballer who keeps his cool, as he showed when taking that superb penalty with all the pressure that came with the game.”
“I believe Celtic will do the right thing and keep him at the club. If he gets a good pre-season, he will do even more for them because I have always believed he has a lot to offer any team. It is unfortunate things did not go well for him at Sevilla FC, but he did not allow that to deter him. Even though he does not start games regularly, whenever he gets the chance, he takes it well.”
Mutiu Adepoju backs Kelechi Iheanacho for Nigeria recall after Celtic heroics
I think he has seven or eight goals for them this season, mostly from coming off the bench. Celtic would do well to exercise the option of another year because he has proven himself in my opinion,” he concluded.
Iheanacho joined Celtic on loan last September and, although he has not been a regular starter, he has contributed several important goals as the club continues its chase for the Scottish Premiership title.
As the league winds down, the title race has gone to the wire heading into the final day of the season, with Celtic chasing leaders Heart of Midlothian.
On Wednesday, Iheanacho kept his composure to convert a last-minute penalty and hand Celtic a dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell F.C., closing the gap at the top to just one point ahead of the season finale.
The 29-year-old has played 22 games in all competitions for Celtic, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. However, it is his form towards the end of the season that has endeared him to the Parkhead faithful.
There are now rumours in Scotland that Celtic are set to activate the clause in his deal for another year, with the striker proving to be a valuable member of the squad. Onazi, who played alongside Iheanacho for the Nigeria national football team, believes the club should keep him.
