Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has ruled out joining the Super Eagles again, insisting that the national team is in safe hands.
In 2019, Odion Ighalo announced his retirement from international football with Nigeria after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Golden Boot. But in 2021, he came out of retirement to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria again.
Speaking about his future with international football, the Al Hilal striker disclosed that Jose Peseiro, who succeeded Austin Eguavoen in May 2022, messaged him to lure him back to the squad to bring his expertise to the team.
The striker admitted to Omasports TV that his return to the national team is uncertain, saying, “it’s a dicey I can’t imagine, but I’m a Nigerian I’ll still love to play for my country, but now I don’t think I want to do that, you know, even the new coach that came in messaged me, called me and all that. Said I should make a decision if I want to come back I said I would let him know.”
Ighalo, however, said that he would want to focus more on his career, pointing out that the team’s younger, youthful players are doing well.
“But you know I’m not going back because now I want to concentrate on my club. The body is not like it used to be, and the young Lads are doing so well, so I wish them well,” he said.
Victor Osimhen has been impressive for his national team, having scored 15 goals, in addition to his club accomplishments. Ighalo believes that Nigeria’s attack is secure as a result.
“We have the best Striker absolutely in Africa, if not in the world, we have Victor Osimhen, so why would I stress about National, so? The national team is in safe hands.” he said.