Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppage-time penalty fires Celtic to dramatic win over Motherwell

Celtic kept their Scottish Premiership title hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Motherwell, with Nigeria star Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a dramatic 97th-minute winner from the spot on Wednesday night.

In a tense and chaotic encounter, Motherwell struck first through Elliot Watt in the 17th minute, silencing the visiting support early on. Celtic responded just before the break when Daizen Maeda found the equaliser to restore parity and shift momentum back toward the visitors.

The second half saw Celtic take control for long spells, and their pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Benjamin Nygren put them ahead, seemingly putting the champions on course for a vital away win.

However, Motherwell refused to go quietly and struck late drama of their own when Liam Gordon made it 2-2 in the 85th minute, setting up a tense finish that looked destined for a draw.

Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Celtic were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a foul by Sam Nicholson. Iheanacho stepped up under immense pressure and calmly converted the spot-kick in the 97th minute, sealing a priceless victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The Nigerian forward’s composed finish not only secured all three points but also underlined his growing importance in Celtic’s attacking unit at a crucial stage of the season.

The result leaves the Scottish Premiership title race finely poised, with Celtic now one point behind league leaders Heart of Midlothian FC heading into a decisive final-day showdown that will determine the destination of the trophy.