Manchester United and former super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has been the topic of discussion recently over his sudden exit from the National team and the chances of returning.
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has refused to rule out Odion Ighalo returning to the national team. stating that Super eagles coach has the final say on Ighalo’s return.
Ighalo’s Super Eagles return: NFF leaves decision to Rohr. Photo credit: NFF.com
However, Pinnick insisted that the 30-year-old would not be forced to reverse his decision to quit the Super Eagles.
“Ighalo grew up in Ajegunle, you know the mentality about Ajegunle and Nigeria, he loves the country so much, so I believe if there is need for him to play for Nigeria, he will come.
“I am in touch with him, we speak every other week. He is quite respectful, quite disciplined and quite prayerful,” Pinnick said on Plus TV Africa.
He added: “If there is need for him to come I believe he would definitely come but we don’t want to put him under pressure, we want him to concentrate.”
Ighalo announced his international retirement last year, after finishing as the top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
But since he made a loan switch to Manchester United in January, his impressive displays have led to calls for Ighalo to play for Nigeria again.
In an interview with Brila FM on Wednesday, Ighalo hinted that he may make a return to the Super Eagles.
However, NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire, in his reaction, said the coach will decide on the player’s future.
“Nobody sent Ighalo away from the team. If the coach thinks he can feature in his plans, then it is the coach’s prerogative to decide on that,” NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire told Sports Extra.
Olajire also added that the Franco-German will be left to decide on whether Nigeria Professional Football League player deserves an invitation or not.
“There’s nothing like imposing NPFL players on the coach. He is at liberty to pick his players,” he said.
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