Sunday, January 29, 2023
Soccernet.ng
  • Home
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • App
  • Videos
  • Lifestyle
  • Betting
No Result
View All Result
Soccernet.ng
No Result
View All Result

‘I told them to give me any jersey available’-Super Eagles returnee claims he was offered Osimhen’s shirt

Kelvin Omachonu by Kelvin Omachonu
1 year ago
in AFCON, News, Nigeria
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Napoli striker is Nigeria’s number nine, but he could have had the number taken away from him during this month’s international break 

Super Eagles and Al-Shabab Striker Odion Ighalo has revealed that he was offered Victor Osimhen’s number nine jersey by top NFF officials prior to his return to international duty for Nigeria.

The 32-year-old forward decided to call time on his international career in July 2019, but an impressive goal-scoring spree at his Saudi Arabian side revived interests from the NFF and Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr.

Despite the availability of attacking talents of Nigerian origin scattered across Europe, the former Manchester United striker was still invited to the Super Eagles camp for the world cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde to the detriment of Union Berlin star Taiwo Awoniyi.

Before his initial retirement, Ighalo don the number nine jersey, which is now worn by Osimhen. However, on his return to the team, he was offered his former number, which he duly rejected.

“A top NFF official told me I could have the number nine jersey back, and I told him no,” Ighalo told ESPN.

“I had left it. Osimhen is using it now and coming back, I’m going to play with any jersey number.”

“I told them to give me any jersey available. I can play with my bare skin for Nigeria, I’m a patriotic Nigerian. If it means me playing without a shirt in this team, I’m going to play. It’s not the shirt that score the goals.”

Ighalo also expressed his belief in Napoli star Osimhen, stating that he is the number one striker and will not take Osimhen’s place.

“Before I left the national team, I personally called Osimhen and said I’m leaving, this position is for you and if you work hard you’re going to rule Nigeria for a long time.”

I’m happy to see him doing well and I’m here to support him.”

“And before I came back, I told the coach’ Osimhen is the number one striker, I will just support in whatever way you want me to support and I’m here to do that,” he added.

With the likely absence of Osimhen for the 2021 AFCON, which starts on January 9, Ighalo could become Nigeria’s top hitman again.

However, it is left to be seen if a Gernot Rohr remains manager of the Super Eagles or if a new manager would prefer a younger player in Europe.

Tags: AFCONAl-ShababNapoliOdion IghaloOsimhenSuper Eagles
Share6Tweet4

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

NPFL: No Super Eagles curse for Bendel Insurance in record win over Remo Stars

Iheanacho comes up clutch for Leicester City in the FA Cup again

Leo Neiva: Why ex-Saint Kitts & Nevis and Al Merrikh coach wants NPFL job

Preview: Stadium where Sierra Leone stunned Super Eagles to host clash-of-the-titans between Remo Stars and Insurance

“Nothing to do with my parents” – Ademola Lookman reveals why he dump England for Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Soccernet.ng

Copyright © 2022 Soccernet Media Limited.

Navigate Site

  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy policy
  • Contact us
  • App

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Leagues
    • EPL
    • NPFL
    • La Liga
    • Seria A
    • Ligue 1
  • Live Scores
  • App
  • Videos
  • Lifestyle
  • Betting

Copyright © 2022 Soccernet Media Limited.