AFCON 2019 Top Scorer Ighalo Brings The Curtain Down On His International Career

Published: July 20, 2019

Odion Ighalo has brought the curtain down on his international career after four years as a Super Eagles player.

It comes after he made at least 34 international appearances for the senior national team, seven of them at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations where he won the Golden Boot award, having made his debut in 2015.

The former Watford and Udinese striker scored 15 goals during his international career and captained the Flying Eagles at the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Ighalo said in a statement : ''This is one of the most difficult career decisions I have had to take. It’s been an amazing 5 years journey,but after due consultation and extensive discussion with my family I have decided it’s time for me to retire from the national team.

''It’s has been an eventful and most memorable opportunity to serve my country with pride,passion and to contribute my quota to the development of our football,the memories would stay with me for a long time and I’m immensely grateful.

''It is now time to concentrate on Club football and give the younger players chance to learn and grow.

''I would love to thank the NFF,coach Gernot Rohr for believing in me against all odds,to my teammates for their professionalism and team spirit without you guys I wouldn’t have achieved so much with this team.

''To NIGERIAN football fans all over the world, I SAY THANK YOU, you were always there to cheer us on and our 12th players every time we step into the pitch. I will be watching and cheering the SUPER EAGLES from this side.

''THANK YOU.....signing OUT''.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel