Gernot Rohr, the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior National Football Team, has confirmed that Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia forward Odion Ighalo has returned to the Super Eagles and has been listed for action next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
The 32-year old AFCON 2019 top scorer with five goals retired from the Eagles two years ago after guiding Nigeria to a bronze medal finish in Egypt.
However, in an interview with newsmen, the Franco-German coach confirmed what had been rumored on social media: Ighalo would be recalled to the team.
Rohr insisted he missed the former Manchester United on-loan player’s leadership qualities.
“We miss his leadership, his experience, and the goals he scores; he was the best scorer at the AFCON, the best scorer in the qualifiers, and I believe we have a lot of young players who could learn a lot from such a great player.”
Ighalo is a man of great importance.
“I hope he can return,” Rohr said in an interview taped in Lagos.
The Super Eagles boss also hinted that Ighalo would be on the provisional first team for the upcoming matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.
“I put him on the larger provisional first-team list for the upcoming games.” We’ve communicated. He is doing well at his club and still wants to help his country.”
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Rohr emphasized this in an apparent response to Nigerian football fans who will wonder why he was brought out of retirement when there are several young players doing exceptionally well for both country and clubs.
With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, and Sadiq Umar in fine form, Ighalo’s return could mean the exclusion of any of the listed young players.
The Super Eagles will hope to defeat Liberia on November 11 in Morocco before completing the second round of the 2022 World Cup qualification against Cape Verde four days later in Lagos.
Nigeria leads Group C with nine points, two more than nearest rival Cape Verde.
The Eagles only need two points from their final two group games to advance to the final playoffs in March of next year.
