No qualms over Ighalo’s return to Eagles declares Osimhen
Lille forward, Victor Osimhen has said that he would be delighted to see Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo return to Super Eagles.
Since becoming the first Nigerian to feature for the English side after joining on loan from Chinese Super League Club Shanghai on deadline day, football fans in his native country are buzzing for the 31-year-old to come out of retirement ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Ighalo announced his international retirement after helping Nigeria claim a bronze medal at the AFCON 2019 in Egypt where he emerge the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
Speaking with OJBSPORTS after helping his team to a 1-0 victory over FC Nantes in Sunday’s Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade de la Beaujoire, Osimhen however said Ighalo is an inspiration and he would be glad to lenrn from him.
“Ighalo is a very big inspiration person, not just for Nigeria but the world football. For me, I draw some inspiration from him and try to learn from his game also. For me to see him and to have his jersey is one thing I would really cherished forever and I’m really happy he is a brother to me and we are very close.”
When asked if the former Watford forward would not be a threat in the striking position if he eventually returns to the national team set up, Osimhen said, “Ighalo is welcome (to the national team). He did so well for us in AFCON and of course in the qualifiers.
He is welcome anytime. Whether I am on the bench or I’m starting, it will be very good for me to try and watch him play and try to help the team also. He is welcome anytime, for me to be on the bench or playing, I have no problem with that.
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While reacting to Sunday’s victory, Osimhen said, “For me, it is important we get that three points. So we have to keep hope for the Champions League spot and of course coming here to win is not an easy one because they have a very good and organized team. We gave our all and the win is most important.”