Former Super Eagles‘ star Odion Ighalo has opened up on the challenges he faced while pursuing his football dream.
The 34-year-old, currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Wehda FC, began his career at Nigerian club Prime FC now rechristened Osun United FC.
His journey has taken him through clubs in Italy, Spain, China, and England, including notable stints with Watford and Manchester United.
In a conversation with African football footwear brand “Wurasports,” Ighalo shared the challenges of affording quality football equipment, especially coming from a modest background.
Ighalo's remarks about the beginning of his football career
Ighalo revealed how expensive it was to have proper football gear, as someone from a humble background.
He recalled.,”I was born and brought up in Ajegunle, and I know how difficult it is to have a boot then. I can remember we always share boots then when we want to go to training, sometimes if I’m training in the morning, I have to use it if my friend is training in the evening. So it’s very expensive then.”
He further reminisced, “I remember my mum will take me to Aswani market, Katangua, Badagry to go and look for last and quality boots.”
Former Super Eagles forward Igahalo's football journey
As previously mentioned, Ighalo initiated his career with Prime FC before advancing to Juliius Berger to refine his skills.
It was during his time at Juliius Berger that Ighalo caught the attention of FIFA agent Marcelo Houseman, who recommended him to Atta Aneke.
Subsequently, he was invited for a trial by Norway's Lyn 1896 Fotballklubb, where his talent was recognised.
During his tenure at the Oslo-based club, Ighalo ascended through the ranks of the club's youth teams, displaying his immense talent.
This garnered interest from Italian club Udinese, where he signed in 2008 to further enhance his abilities.
Following loan spells at Granada and Cesena, Ighalo joined Watford before moving to the Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai for a reported £20 million in 2017.
On February 14, 2019, he transferred to Shanghai Shenhua and later joined Manchester United on loan in 2020.
In February 2021, he made a move to Al Shabab and then joined Al-Hilal a year later, where he secured the league's top scorer title with 24 goals. He joined his current club, Al Wehda, in 2023.
His international journey began after receiving his debut call-up to the Nigerian national team by Daniel Amokachi in 2015. He made his debut in a 1-0 friendly home loss to Uganda.
Since then, the AFCON 2019 Golden Boot winner has amassed 36 additional appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring 16 goals.
