Nwankwo Kanu Urges Odion Ighalo To Reconsider Retirement Decision

The Manchester United forward called time on his international career immediately after the AFCON last year, but a former Nigerian star is asking him to rescind that decision for the sake of the country.

Nigeria and Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu is hoping that on-loan Red Devils striker, Odion Ighalo, returns to the Super Eagles fold as the three-time African champions still need his services.

Ighalo scored seven goals en route the 2019 African Cup of Nations Championships and banged in another five during the tournament proper to scoop the highest goalscorer award.

The former Watford marksman then shocked his countrymen by announcing his retirement immediately after the competition.

Nigeria have seemingly gotten over his absence with Lille striker Victor Osimhen, stepping into the gap and scoring four goals in his last four games for Gernot Rohr's side.

But the reemergence of Ighalo at Manchester United, following a surprising deadline day switch, has tempted Rohr to convince the 30-year-old to return to the national fold.

And after netting three goals in just two starts for the Old Trafford giants, Ighalo has added two-time CAF African Footballer of the Year to the number of those asking to see him again wear the green and white.

“Nigeria needs every good player no matter where they are playing or their age,” Kanu told Goal.

“If he performs in Manchester United, we will ask him to come back and tell him to forget what he said.

“This is football, and we have to watch and see how the situation would unfold. Not just Ighalo, Nigeria need whoever is in form.”

However, while Kanu wants Ighalo back with the national team, another former Super Eagles star, Ikpeba, is against the move as he believes the ex-Granada man has paid his dues.