Ighalo goes 90 for Al-Shabab amid sensational reports he 'could be on his way to Africa'

Published: January 08, 2022

Former Manchester United attacker Odion Ighalo cannot be in two different places at the same time.

Sensational reports broke out in the local press on Friday that the Al-Shabab talisman 'could be on his way to Africa' to link up with his international teammates for the Africa Cup of Nations after getting the green light from the powers that be at his Saudi Arabian club.

Allnigeriasoccer.com reported with certainty that the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer was still in Saudi Arabia as Al-Shabab were still playing hardball over his release to the Nigeria Football Federation.

Al-Shabab are sticking to their guns about Ighalo remaining in Saudi Arabia for the duration of the AFCON, citing the FIFA rule which states that associations must notify clubs of invited players at least fifteen days before the start of a tournament.

Ighalo put in a full ninety-minute shift for Al-Shabab as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Abha on game week sixteen of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday evening, ending speculation once and for all about a potential U-turn.

Hassan Al Qayd opened the scoring for the visitors after eight minutes but Al-Shabab got a share of the spoils thanks to an own goal from Abdulrahman Al Barakah just before the hour mark.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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