“It was mine” – Kelechi Iheanacho reacts after missing MOTM award in FA Cup semi-final win

Super Eagles and Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho was the hero for the Hoops in their 6-2 win over St. Mirren, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old, in recent reports, has aired his displeasure about not starting games for the Record Scottish Champions.

Still, coach Martin O’Neill has been adamant he wants to ease Iheanacho into action, considering he’s suffered multiple hamstring injuries this season.

As such, Japanese attacker Daizen Maeda started in the attack and was involved in two goals before Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench in the 83rd minute.

Kelechi Iheanacho reacts to his St. Mirren performance

The former Leicester City man came off the bench in the 83rd minute to score a brace in the Scottish FA Cup semi-final, and was delighted to have gotten on the scoresheet.

James Forrest swung a cross into the box and Kelechi Iheanacho rose to head the ball into the net, giving the Hoops the lead ⚽️
pic.twitter.com/UxzFwiFd6E

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 19, 2026

However, after the game, Iheanacho was shocked that he wasn’t given the man of the match award.

After the award was given to him, he was told to hand it over to Japanese attacker Daizen Maeda.

“I thought it was mine,” Iheanacho jokingly retorted before dapping up his teammate, as revealed on Premier Sports.

“It feels amazing, I can’t even express how I feel now. It was 2-2 at the end of normal time before we blew them away.

“It feels good to be in the final, and as a team, we’re happy.

“Daizen is a machine, because he never gets tired. He keeps running, he’s so important to this team.

“For me, winning the trophy would mean a lot for me, because it’s been a while since I laid my hands on some silverware,” Iheanacho concluded.

Celtic will play Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish FA Cup final on the 23rd of May.