Versatile Irish-Nigerian CB scores in shootout as Celtic beat Rangers to win Glasgow Cup

Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties to win the Glasgow Cup on Wednesday evening, with a player of Nigerian descent on parade for the Hoops at the Ibrox Stadium.  

Versatile Republic of Ireland U21 central defender of Nigerian descent, Bosun Lawal started for Celtic in the showpiece, while 2023 Flying Eagles invitee Thompson Ishaka was missing from the starting lineup of the Light Blues. 

Celtic had a prolific first half as they were 3-0 up inside 35 minutes but Rangers stayed calm and pulled one back through Alex Lowry, who slotted away a  penalty before halftime.

Adam Brooks caused Rangers problems in the opening forty five minutes and his efforts were rewarded with two goals, before Vata joined in on the act. 

It was a dream start to the second half for Rangers as Zak Lovelace made it 3-2 when he sliced the ball past the Celtic goalie after Lawal was caught in possession. 

Two minutes from time, Tony Weston got the much needed equalizer with a powerful strike from close range despite Lawal's best efforts to stop the ball from going in, which sent the game to a shootout. 

Celtic won the shootout 4-3 with Lawal dispatching confidently the second spot kick taken by the champions. 

Former Watford schoolboy Lawal made his senior debut for Celtic in a Scottish FA Cup clash against Greenock Morton FC on January 21, 2023.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : celticfc.com

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