Soccer
Kelechi Iheanacho in action for Celtic. Copyright: Imago
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winner for Celtic against Dundee, but the goal has divided fans in Scotland, especially from their rivals, Rangers, who believe the goal shouldn’t have stood, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old came off the bench in the 58th minute, replacing Tomás Cvancara before scoring the winner. A cross from Marcelo Saracchi wasn’t properly cleared by the Dundee backline.
Iheanacho then instinctively shoved Ryan Astley out of his path before blasting the ball into the back of the net. The Dundee defenders protested the decision, and VAR swung into action.
However, they only checked for a potential offside, and the goal was given after it was confirmed the Nigerian striker didn’t stray past the last defender before Saracchi’s cross came in.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Soccer Des Roache reacts to Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal
Rangers fans were clearly upset, on social media at least. However, retired Scottish referee Des Roache didn’t buy into the claims, suggesting Iheanacho’s contact wasn’t enough to overturn the goal.
“You look at that still there and it doesn’t look great, but football’s a physical sport,” the 50-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.
“If it’s given as a foul, VAR isn’t going to overrule it. But VAR is only there to comment on clear and obvious errors.
“So what’s happened there is an opinion, and we share the same opinion.
“If I was VAR and the referee gave a foul, I could support it and say you know what? Yeah he’s shoved him, he’s nudged him.
“But it’s just absolutely not. And Iheanacho looking and waiting to see what’s going to happen, that’s a symptom of where we are with VAR; they’re not sure they can celebrate a goal.
“I’ve got no issue with the decision at all.
“Not just Astley, but you look at the goalkeeper and the players surrounding him, nobody is looking for a foul,” the retired referee concluded.
Iheanacho has also been tipped to make a magical return to Eric Chelle’s squad at the end of the season by coach Martin O’Neill, but that’ll only happen if he stays fit.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
Read MoreAdefolahan Guerreiro