Nigerian Players Abroad

Kelechi Iheanacho scores as Celtic beat Dunfermline to win Scottish Cup

Kelechi Iheanacho played a decisive role as Celtic came from behind to beat Hearts 3-1 and secure the Scottish Premiership title, capping a remarkable late-season resurgence for the Nigerian forward.

Celtic completed a domestic double after defeating Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Former Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho was among the scorers as Celtic claimed a record 63rd Scottish Cup title under interim manager Martin O’Neill.

Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a composed lob after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Dunfermline.

Arne Engels doubled Celtic’s advantage in the 36th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box as the Premiership champions took firm control before half-time.

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Dunfermline improved after the break following a triple substitution by manager Neil Lennon, but Celtic continued to threaten on the counterattack.

Iheanacho thought he had added a third earlier in the second half, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

The Nigerian forward eventually got his goal in the 73rd minute after producing a brilliant solo run through the Dunfermline defence before calmly finishing to make it 3-0.

Josh Cooper pulled one back for Dunfermline seven minutes later with his first touch after coming on, but it proved only a consolation for the Championship side.

The victory capped a remarkable finish to the season for Celtic, who had already secured the Scottish Premiership title last weekend.

Celtic have now won seven of the last 10 Scottish Cups and completed a third consecutive domestic league and cup double.

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