Iheanacho at Hampden Park but left out of Celtic squad in 3-1 win against Rangers

Celtic booked their place in the final of the Premier Sports Cup after edging Rangers 3-1 in extra time at Hampden Park on Sunday.

From a Nigerian perspective, the headline team news centred on the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho, who was left out of Celtic's matchday squad for the Old Firm derby.

The Nigeria international's inactivity suggests his chances of earning a recall to the Super Eagles for next week's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon’s Panthers remain slim.

Although not included in the matchday squad, Iheanacho was part of the travelling party to Hampden Park, where he offered his support to his teammates.

The former Manchester City forward has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Celtic's 2–1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz.

Thankfully for both club and country, the injury is not as serious as first feared. 

Interim manager Martin O'Neill had confirmed before the semifinal that the striker would undergo late fitness tests to determine his availability.

In Iheanacho's absence, Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma started for Rangers, while another player of Nigerian descent Emmanuel Fernandez was an unused substitute.

Celtic took the lead in the 25th minute through Johnny Kenny, but Rangers drew level nine minutes from time via a James Tavernier penalty.

The Bhoys regained control early in extra time when Callum McGregor fired home from distance, before Callum Osmand sealed the victory with a composed finish in the 109th minute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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