Former Lazio and Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi believes Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho deserves a contract extension at Celtic following a recent string of impressive performances in the decisive end of the season, Footynaija.com reports.
Iheanacho has produced quite a number of decisive moments for Celtic this season despite almost always having to feature off the bench for Martin O’Neil’s side as they pursue a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership crown.
Although the Nigerian forward’s future at Celtic Park is currently shrouded in mystery, especially after battling for form and fitness during the first half of the season, his late resurgence is already generating talks of an extended stay with the Hoops.
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Iheanacho joined Celtic last summer on a one-year contract with the option to renew for another year and Onazi has urged the 55-time Scottish Premiership winners to exercise that option.
Onazi urges Celtic to exercise Kelechi Iheanacho’s one-year extension
“Iheanacho has shown what he can do and I am not surprised that he has been in good form recently with Celtic,” the former Lazio midfielder said in an interview with Footy Africa.
“He might not be the fastest player, but he is a very smart footballer who keeps his cool, as he showed when taking that superb penalty with all the pressure that came with the game.
“I believe Celtic will do the right thing and keep him at the club. If he gets a good pre-season, he will do even more for them because I have always believed he has a lot to offer any team.
“It is unfortunate things did not go well for him at Sevilla FC, but he did not allow that to deter him. Even though he does not start games regularly, whenever he gets the chance, he takes it well.
“I think he has seven or eight goals for them this season, mostly from coming off the bench. Celtic would do well to exercise the option of another year because he has proven himself in my opinion.”
For Iheanacho and Celtic though, complete focus will be on their upcoming season finale against Hearts as they look to seal a 56th Scottish title in front of over 60,000 fans at Celtic Park.
