Wayne Lumbasi
Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has revealed that he left Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab for their rivals Al Hilal because they did not allow him to go to the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The 32-year-old, former Manchester United striker said he was so distraught over his non release for the continent’s flagship tournament. In late January, Ighalo left Al-Shabab for another Saudi side Al Hilal, leading the team’s attack in February against Chelsea in FIFA Club World Cup game.
“I was not really happy because I was not released for the AFCON by Al Shabab. Of course, I wanted to come for the AFCON but they stopped me from leaving just about four hours before my departure because I needed both the exit and entry visa only to be told they did not get any invitation for my release from the NFF,,” he said.
Ighalo further confirmed that the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) pulled the strings for his release but it proved abortive due to the insistence and the cat and mouse game by management of Al Shabab.
Ighalo’s quality was never in doubt, as he was in spectacular form for Al Shabab, scoring 13 goals in 19 appearances for his former employers. However, he could not take his brilliant form to the AFCON, as Al Shabab blocked him from travelling to Cameroon.
Ighalo hopes to return to the Super Eagles squad when they face Ghana in the crucial World Cup qualifier double-header next month.
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