Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has admitted that stepping up to take a 99th-minute penalty for Celtic was one of the most nerve-racking moments he has experienced.
The striker held his composure to score the dramatic winner against Motherwell, keeping Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title hopes alive heading into the final matchday.
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“It was scary,” Iheanacho confessed.
According to the Nigerian international, the pressure of the moment was enormous, but he reminded himself of previous high-pressure experiences throughout his career.
“I told myself I’ve been here before,” he implied.
Iheanacho explained that staying calm mentally was the key to converting the decisive spot kick.
“I just tried to stay cool,” he noted.
The forward also revealed that he kept the entire routine simple and avoided overthinking the moment.
“I kept it brief,” he added.
For Iheanacho, the victory itself mattered far more than the personal spotlight surrounding the dramatic finish.
“The most important thing was the win,” he stressed.
The striker’s late heroics once again highlighted his growing reputation for delivering important moments off the bench for Celtic.
“He keeps stepping up when needed,” many supporters reacted after the match.
As the title race heads into its final stages, confidence around Iheanacho’s influence continues to grow.
For the Nigerian forward, the message is clear.
Pressure moments must be embraced.
Calmness makes the difference.
And big players rise when the stakes are highest.
Because football history is often written in moments that demand courage under pressure.
