Kelechi Iheanacho: Celtic boss provides update on Super Eagles star’s future

Celtic head coach Martin O’Neill has provided clarity on the future of Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho at the club, Afrik-Foot reports.

Iheanacho joined the Scottish champions on a free transfer last summer after leaving Sevilla, where he struggled to make an impact and departed after just one season.

Despite an encouraging start to life in Scotland, the 29-year-old has endured a stop-start campaign, with injuries limiting him to just 20 appearances across all competitions so far. He was also left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament by head coach Eric Chelle over fitness concerns.

However, Iheanacho has recently returned to full fitness and looks to be returning to his best. He has proven to be decisive for Celtic over the last few weeks, with four goals in his last five appearances.

The Super Eagles forward netted a brace in the Scottish Cup semifinal win over St Mirren and also scored the winner in the 2–1 victory over Hibernian last weekend, which kept their title hopes alive.

Martin O’Neill shares update on Iheanacho’s future

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho arrived at Celtic last summer hoping to revive his career after an underwhelming spell at Sevilla. However, his long-term future remains uncertain ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with no talks of an extension so far.

The 29-year-old has returned to form in recent weeks, which could open the door to a new deal at Celtic and keep him at the club at least until the coming season.

Speaking in an interview, O’Neill explained that no decision has been made regarding the Super Eagles forward’s future.

“That’s a conversation for another day. Right now, his fitness is the most important thing, and he has to keep proving that he’s fit on the field”, the Celtic boss said, via TribalFootball.

“What he’s done for us has been terrific, especially recently. The club will weigh up his overall contribution against his injuries over the whole season.

“Although he says he’s very young, time does catch up with players—though I think he’s only 29 or 30. If the club keeps him, he would benefit greatly from a proper three or four-week pre-season”, O’Neill concluded.

For now, Iheanacho’s focus remains on helping Celtic in their push for the league title, as well as the Scottish Cup final later this month, before a decision can now be made over his next move.