Odion Ighalo’s Mixed Fortunes with the Super Eagles
Former Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo, had a mixed international career with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. While he enjoyed some successes, there were also some forgettable moments that he would rather not remember.
One of such moments was Nigeria’s elimination from the 2018 World Cup, where Ighalo’s profligacy in front of goal was partly responsible for the team’s exit. Despite his contributions to the team’s qualification for the tournament, he was heavily criticized by Nigerian fans for weeks after the loss to Argentina.
In an interview with Elegbete TV, Ighalo revealed that the game against Argentina was one of his worst experiences with the Super Eagles. He said, “I missed a chance and the whole of Nigeria wanted to bury me alive.”
Another low point for Ighalo was Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The team’s hopes were dashed after a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Abuja, which knocked them out of the tournament due to the away goal rule.
Reflecting on the disappointment, Ighalo said, “We had the tools and everything in our possession to qualify for that World Cup. But due to some circumstances or selfish reasons for some people, we did not get to qualify.”
Despite these setbacks, Ighalo had some bright moments with the Super Eagles. He won bronze with the team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and was the tournament’s top scorer, earning him the Golden Boot award.
However, the 34-year-old striker has not been with the team since their failure to qualify for the World Cup last year. With the number of quality strikers that Nigeria possesses at the moment, getting back into the fold could be tough for him.
In conclusion, Ighalo’s international career with the Super Eagles was a mixed bag of highs and lows. While he had some successes, there were also some forgettable moments that he would rather not remember. Nonetheless, he remains a respected figure in Nigerian football and a role model to many young players.
