Super Eagles winger Kelechi Iheanacho has sent a strong message to head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup later this month. The 29-year-old scored the winning goal for Celtic in their dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park Stadium in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday, May 13.
Match Highlights
Elliot Watt gave the home side an early lead in the 17th minute, but Daizen Maeda equalised for Celtic in the 41st minute with a composed finish into the bottom corner. Benjamin Nygren put Celtic ahead in the 58th minute with a powerful strike from 20 yards. Motherwell fought back, with Watt hitting the crossbar before Liam Gordon scored a late equaliser. However, a VAR review awarded Celtic a penalty for handball, and Iheanacho stepped up to score the winning goal in the 99th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the away supporters.
Iheanacho's Form
The former Manchester City star has scored five goals in his last seven matches, including a brace against St Mirren. His recent performances will create a selection dilemma for Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles prepare for the 2026 Unity Cup at The Valley Stadium in Charlton. The tournament will feature Jamaica, India, and Zimbabwe, with Nigeria aiming to retain the title they won last year at the GTech Stadium in Brentford.
Nigerian Journalist's View
Nigerian sports journalist Joel Ajayi believes Iheanacho is an exceptional player who always delivers in difficult moments. Speaking exclusively to Legit.ng, Ajayi said the Super Eagles need players capable of making a difference when matches become tense. He also advised coach Eric Chelle to select players based on form rather than age.
“I must admit that Kelechi Iheanacho has justified the trust that Martin O'Neil has in his abilities at Celtic. Scoring five goals in seven matches is a huge achievement and cannot be ignored. What Eric Chelle needs in his squad is a player who can dictate the rhythm of a match when there is tension, and that was what Nigeria lacked against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,” Ajayi said.
He added that the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen, also sees special qualities in the former Manchester City star.
NFF Responds to Chelle's Demands
In related news, the Nigeria Football Federation has responded to Eric Chelle's 19-point demand for a new contract through its general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. The federation remains calm over the manager's future and expressed confidence that he will fulfil the final year of his current contract.
