Super Eagles legend George Finidi in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has thrown his full support behind Kelechi Iheanacho’s move to Scottish champions Celtic, saying the striker still has “plenty of fire” to reignite his career.
Iheanacho, 28, signed a one-year deal with the Glasgow giants on Monday after being released by La Liga side Sevilla at the end of last season. The contract includes an option for another year, giving the Nigerian international a chance to prove himself at one of Europe’s most storied clubs.
Celtic announced the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal
For Finidi, now head coach of Nigerian side Rivers United, the transfer is exactly what Iheanacho needs to get back to the heights he reached earlier in his career.
“Kelechi is a proven talent, and I think Celtic is the perfect stage for him to show that again,” Finidi told Footy-Africa in an exclusive interview. “Sometimes players just need the right environment, a club that believes in them. He’s got the quality, and I believe he will deliver.”
Once tipped as one of Africa’s brightest prospects, Iheanacho burst onto the scene with Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup-winning squad in 2013 before securing a move to Manchester City. He later impressed at Leicester City, helping them to an FA Cup triumph in 2021, but struggled for regular playing time in Spain with Sevilla.
His switch to Celtic offers the forward a fresh opportunity to lead the line in domestic and European competitions.
Finidi, who won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, believes Iheanacho’s experience in England and Spain will prove invaluable.
“Celtic play attacking football, and Kelechi thrives in that kind of setup,” said Finidi. “It’s not easy to come back after a tough spell, but great players always find a way. He has the hunger, and this is his chance.”
Iheanacho has already joined his new teammates at Celtic Park and is expected to make his debut this weekend in their Scottish Premiership clash against Aberdeen.
With Finidi’s endorsement and Celtic’s backing, Iheanacho now has the platform to write a new chapter in his career one that could see him reclaim his place among Africa’s elite forwards.
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