Categories: News

Why I don’t score for Nigeria – Ighalo


Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has said scoring for his English club Watford is easier than doing so for the national team due to the difference in terrains. Ighalo who scored his ninth goal of the season on Saturday in Watford’s 2-0 win over Norwich struggled to replicate same form when the Super Eagles defeated Swaziland in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier last month.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, the striker said that it was very difficult scoring for the Eagles due to demanding nature of the African game. “We cannot compare so many things in Europe with what we have in Africa,” he said. “If you talk about the pitches in Europe compared to Africa, you will see a huge difference, likewise the weather.

“Another issue is the physicality of the game in Africa, but I am not complaining because as a striker, you have to be ready for any situation.” Ighalo has scored two goals for the Super Eagles since making his debut in a 2-0 win over Chad in AFCON qualifier on June 13 in Kaduna. Meanwhile, Ighalo has praised manager Quique Sanchez Flores’ game plan for the 2-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday.

With a long trip to Sunderland up next for the club, Ighalo form marked the improvement that Flores has been asking for. “The teamwork has been great, you see the way we have been pushing ourselves and the team really worked hard from the first until the last minute today Saturday.

We can’t single out any player because from Heurelho to the top everybody really worked hard and we deserved the three points,” he told the club’s official website. “We are happy and we just want to forget about today now because it’s gone. We are thinking about the next game because we want to try and win games. We know we’re going to have some difficult times, but if we keep picking up points now we know we are going to be safe at the end of the season.”

More Nigerian Football News» [post_ad]
For the latest football news, follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:40 pm

Biyi Akangbe

Biyi is an editor at Soccernet.ng. He has been in the media industry for almost a decade and has worked with top publishers in Nigeria. He loves Sports, Games and Music! biyi@soccernet.com.ng Twitter: @its_biyi

Share
Published by
Biyi Akangbe

Recent Posts

“New Osimhen” – Serie A Champions Inter Milan eye 17-year-old Nigerian striker

Newly crowned Italian Champions, Inter Milan, have set their sights on 17-year-old Royal Antwerp striker,… Read More

9 hours ago

Boniface leads Leverkusen to 5-1 win over Frankfurt, helps German Champions equal 59-year unbeaten European record

Adam Hlozek was at his creative best, providing three assists as Leverkusen ran riot at… Read More

11 hours ago

Chukwueze’s goal contribution proves insufficient, as Genoa force AC Milan to dramatic draw

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze provided an assist, but his effort was insufficient as AC… Read More

11 hours ago

Akor Adams: Turkish Super Lig giants could attempt to sign Super Eagles hopeful from Montpelier

Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas could attempt to sign Nigeria striker Akor Adams from French… Read More

13 hours ago

Don’t judge me by Mali defeat as I have plans to beat South Africa, Benin – Nigeria coach, Finidi

Super Eagles coach Finidi George has vowed to put in everything he has to ensure… Read More

13 hours ago

Iheanacho unsure of Leicester City future amid interest from Aston Villa and Crystal Palace

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed uncertainty about his future at the King Power… Read More

15 hours ago