Title Hero: Iheanacho Helps Celtic Secure Scottish Premiership Win

Celtic entered the final day knowing only a win would take them above Hearts at the top of the table. The visitors took the lead just before half-time when Lawrence Shankland headed in from a Stephen Kingsley corner in the 43rd minute.

Celtic responded in first-half stoppage time through Arne Engels, who converted a penalty after Kieran Tierney’s cross was judged to have struck Alexandros Kyziridis’ arm.

The match remained finely balanced in the second half until a late twist in the title race arrived in the 87th minute. Daizen Maeda bundled in Callum Osmand’s cross, with the goal initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the decision, sparking wild celebrations inside Celtic Park.

Moments later, Osmand completed the turnaround, sprinting from his own half to finish into an empty net after Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

At full-time, supporters invaded the pitch as Celtic sealed their 14th league title in 15 seasons, their fifth consecutive championship, and a record 56th top-flight crown—overtaking Rangers.

Iheanacho, introduced from the bench, played a notable role in the decisive late pressure. He struck the post and helped sustain Celtic’s attacking momentum as Hearts were pushed deeper and deeper. His presence contributed to the collapse of the visitors’ resistance in the closing minutes.

The 29-year-old ends the season with eight goals in 22 appearances despite injury setbacks, with his strikes directly earning Celtic eight points. He also became the club’s highest-scoring Nigerian player, with his late 98th-minute penalty winner against Motherwell earlier in the week proving crucial in keeping the title race alive.

Interim manager Martin O’Neill guided Celtic to another league triumph, his fourth title with the club and first since 2005, after stabilising the team during a difficult campaign.

Attention now shifts to the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park, where Celtic are chasing a domestic double.

Before kickoff, Iheanacho confirmed discussions over his future would begin after the season, with his influential role in the title win likely strengthening his standing at the club.