Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Kelechi Iheanacho has successfully reignited his career at Celtic and remains a vital asset for the Super Eagles’ future.
After a turbulent period that saw him fall out of favor with the national team, Iheanacho is finally finding his rhythm in Scotland.
The forward’s resurgence reached a fever pitch on Sunday at Hampden Park, where he spearheaded a late-game blitz to dismantle St. Mirren in a thrilling Scottish Cup semifinal.
Hampden heroics
The match was a rollercoaster that saw St. Mirren fight back from two goals down to force extra time. With the score locked at 2-2, Celtic unleashed a devastating offensive spell, scoring four goals in just six minutes.
Iheanacho, introduced as a substitute, proved to be the catalyst. He and Luke McCowan struck in quick succession to break St. Mirren’s resolve, before Iheanacho clinically added his second of the afternoon to seal the victory. Swedish international Benjamin Nygren added the finishing touch, recording his 20th goal of a stellar debut campaign.
This brace marks a significant turnaround for Iheanacho, who only two weeks ago ended a grueling six-month goal drought with a winner against Dundee FC. Despite battling injuries this term, the former Leicester City man has now netted six goals in 16 appearances for the Hoops.
Adepoju: “Experience matters”
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Mutiu Adepoju—affectionately known as “The Headmaster”—expressed his delight at Iheanacho’s recovery following a difficult stint in La Liga with Sevilla.
“Kelechi has always been a very good player and a good scorer who has done very well over the years,” Adepoju noted.
“Unfortunately, these past few years he has not been finding it easy and all that. I’m happy that he is coming back and he is doing very well in Celtic. I just believe he will be able to sustain that and continue.”
While some critics suggest the Scottish Premiership offers less resistance than the technical rigors of Spain, Adepoju was quick to defend the quality of Iheanacho’s current environment.
”Comparing La Liga and the Scottish Premiership, they are two different countries, two different leagues. Yes, La Liga is popular and strong, but I believe it’s not that easy playing in the Scottish league as well. There are other good teams in the league; I believe they are strong too.”
The Road back to the Eagle’s Nest
Iheanacho’s recent form comes at a pivotal time. Under the stewardship of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have trended toward younger, more active profiles, leading to Iheanacho’s high-profile omission from recent World Cup Qualifiers and the latest AFCON qualifying rounds.
However, Adepoju insists that the door is far from closed for the “Seniorman.”
”Experience matters, and if he is doing very well and I believe if the handlers of the national team see and find him worthy, then he can still come back,” Adepoju concluded. “I believe he has that ability to come back to the team.”
Curious case of Kelechi Iheanacho: From bright start to uncertain future at Celtic
If Iheanacho can maintain this scoring streak through the remainder of the Scottish Cup and league campaign, Chelle may find it increasingly difficult to ignore the veteran’s clinical edge as Nigeria look toward their next major tournament cycle.
