Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed delight after scoring his first European goal for Celtic in their 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League.
The former Leicester City striker came off the bench to net the equaliser, rescuing a valuable point for the Scottish champions in Serbia.
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Speaking after the game, Iheanacho said the goal was a special moment in his Celtic journey. “It feels great to score my first European goal for this club. It wasn’t an easy game — the atmosphere was tough — but we fought hard and I’m happy to have helped the team get a point,” he explained.
The 28-year-old forward admitted that playing in Serbia presented a hostile environment but stressed that Celtic’s resilience shone through. “The fans out here made it really intense, but that’s European football. We stuck together, and in the end, we got something to take home,” he said.
Iheanacho also acknowledged the strong support he has already begun to enjoy from Celtic’s fans, both in Scotland and abroad. He revealed that their encouragement has boosted his confidence since his arrival. “The connection with the supporters is amazing. They’ve welcomed me so well, and I just want to keep improving to make them proud,” he added.
The Nigerian, who joined Celtic in the summer transfer window, believes he still has more to offer as he regains match sharpness. “I know I can get better with time. I’ll keep working hard in training and be ready whenever the team needs me,” he assured.
With Celtic pushing for progress in the Europa League and aiming to defend their Scottish Premiership title, Iheanacho’s impact will be crucial in the weeks ahead. For now, the striker is focused on building momentum. “This is just the beginning. I hope to score more goals and help the team achieve success this season,” he concluded.
