Former Manchester United striker breaks his silence on Africa Cup of Nations no-show

Published: January 10, 2022

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has finally broken his silence on his non-release by Al-Shabab for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Ighalo, himself, has ended all hopes of featuring in the tournament and apologized to his Super Eagles teammates.

Al-Shabab have stuck 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.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer has charged the Super Eagles to go all out to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

"My name is Odion Jude Ighalo, here is me wishing the Super Eagles all the very best in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament," Ighalo told NFF TV.

"Sorry I cannot be there. I am supporting the boys all the way, we need prayers from Nigerians to support the team, to back them because with their prayers and support the team will make Nigeria proud.

"Go boys and make us proud, you guys can do it. We have enough talents in that team that can take us to the final. God bless you guys."

The Nigeria Football Federation cannot replace Ighalo with another late invitee on the Africa Cup of Nations roster as the striker's withdrawal is not related to health issues.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel