Odion Ighalo: Why Nigeria did not qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
The 2022 FIFA World Cup has come and gone but some Nigerians are still dissapointed the Eagles missed out of the competition.
Odion Ighalo was part of the Super Eagles squad for the failed Qatar 2022 qualification playoffs game vs Ghana.
In a chat with OmaSports TV Ighalo will recall what transpired in the Super Eagles camp hours to the kick-off of the second leg in Abuja.
Ighalo will conclude that the Eagles did not qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup because ” God just said we were not going to the World Cup. ”
” There is so much going on in the Super Eagles. I am the guy who does not talk much and I don’t create problems, ”
” They (Super Eagles coaches) two hours before the game (vs Ghana in Abuja) that i was going to start. We were having lunch and they had to call me out that we want to do this and that. Even the coach did not call me. ”
” I said no problem. Senior man, no problem, he is the Coach, my prayer is that whatever the formation is, we win the game. ”
Ghana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja to qualify via the away goal rule following a 0-0 first leg score.
Ighalo will not blame Nigeria’s failure to qualify on tactics or Coach Austin Eguaveon’s decision to change the Osimhen/Ighalo strike system used in training on Matchday.
” God just said we were not going to the World Cup, ” Ighalo remarked.
That is in the past. Ighalo is currently relishing the race for top-scorer in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
Al Nassr SC sensationally completed the signing of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in January and he is expected to bang goals and possibly get in the race for the Golden shoe but Ighalo feels no threat.
Igahlo’s Al Hilal are currently placed second on the league standings one point behind Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
When asked if he feels worried over Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, Ighalo said ” No, ”
” But, Ronaldo is a legend. He is the best for me, he is the greatest of all time.
” I have too much respect and admiration for him. He is going to play for his team and score goals. Me, I am going to play for my team and I will score goals. ” The 2013 AFCON top-scorer concluded.
