SportsCAF Celebrates Odion Ighalo Amidst Debate Over Return To Super Eagles Squad

CAF Celebrates Odion Ighalo Amidst Debate Over Return To Super Eagles Squad

November 01, (THEWILL) – Former Manchester United striker and ex-Nigerian international Odion Jude Ighalo was celebrated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Sunday for his performance in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Ighalo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, finished that continental tournament as the competition’s top scorer with five goals, helping the Super Eagles finish third and cart home the bronze medal.

After appearing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he did not attain the same levels of performance, AFCON 2019 was Ighalo’s second major tournament with the Eagles and he used the opportunity to establish himself at home and across the continent.

However, purportedly threatened by a portion of Nigerian football fans, with direct threats issued to his immediate family, Ighalo was forced to prematurely retire from international football two years ago.

In their Sunday post, through the official CAF Twitter account, the continental body posted a video of all five of Ighalo’s goals from the 2019 tournament, with the text: “7 Matches, 5 Goals. SuperEagles star @ighalojude ruled the 2019 #TotalEnergiesAFCON!

The celebration of Ighalo from CAF comes at a crucial juncture in the relationship between the striker and his country of origin as there have been concerted efforts at the top of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and management of the Super Eagles to welcome Ighalo back into the squad.

The NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, hinted at Ighalo’s recall in a move that evoked debates about the merits and demerits of bringing the striker back in a squad that was not lacking of options in that department and at a time when Ighalo’s club performances were being matched and even outstripped by the performances of those already in the squad.

While the player himself remained noncommittal to the question of whether or not he will respond if invited, the history of his active time with the senior men’s national football team of Nigeria will not be easily forgotten as the celebration from CAF made abundantly clear.

About the Author

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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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