What Ighalo has said about former Man Utd teammate and DR Congo star Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The Super Eagles and the Leopards will lock horns on Sunday evening in the African final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers play-offs, with a coveted place in the inter-confederation play-off on the line.

One Leopard the Super Eagles must keep a close eye on is West Ham United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Born in London, the Crystal Palace academy product opted to represent DR Congo at senior level after featuring for England U20s and U21s. 

Despite earning only five senior caps for the Leopards so far, Wan-Bissaka brings vast top-flight experience, having amassed 215 Premier League appearances, the majority during his spell at Manchester United, where he briefly shared a dressing room with Nigeria international Odion Ighalo.

Ighalo and Wan-Bissaka played thirteen matches together at Old Trafford, and the former Super Eagles striker has been effusive in his praise.

In an interview with Juliet Bawuah in April 2020, Ighalo highlighted the attributes that make the right-back exceptional. 

"That guy is one of the best right-backs," Ighalo said. 

"His waist is like rubber, the way he bends and steals the ball, the way he tackles the ball away, sometimes I'll be afraid that he's going to get injured.

"One second he's up again and he's going again, pursuing the ball, he's very difficult to get past.

"He's a very, very good player, his work-rate is amazing." 

Wan-Bissaka heads into Sunday's clash in fine form, having helped DR Congo keep three consecutive clean sheets in their last three competitive outings.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Fecofa

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