Former Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo, continues to wield quiet influence within the Super Eagles setup despite not featuring for the national team setup in a while, Soccernet.ng reports.
To add to this, the number of shoutouts the former Watford striker received during his recent birthday celebration proved just that.
The 36-year-old forward was spotted enjoying his birthday with several current Super Eagles players, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Raphael Onyedika.
Watch the video here:
Jowizaza, Vintage Deluxe Interiors, and some Super Eagles players were spotted at Odion Ighalo's birthday party yesterday❤️ pic.twitter.com/qJqBK23GaG
— CHUKS (@ChuksEricE) June 17, 2025
Despite not being part of Nigeria’s recent squads, Ighalo’s bond with these players shows his enduring connection to the team.
Ighalo last played for Nigeria in 2022, coming on as a 12th-minute substitute during the ill-fated World Cup qualifier against Ghana at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. This match dashed Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Since then, he has not donned the green and white, yet his presence remains felt, especially among the younger generation of Super Eagles stars.
Off the pitch, Ighalo has taken on the role of a big brother, where he has offered support for the likes of Victor Osimhen, who is currently at a crucial turning point in his career.
“I believe he should go to the Premier League, but you know he’s young. He has his agent, he has his advisor, and I believe they can advise him on what to do. If I were to advise him, I’d say the Premier League, because that is the big stage – the biggest league in the world. That’s where I believe he’s going to make an even bigger name for himself that he can carry throughout his career, even after football.” Ighalo earlier said.
Speaking further, he said. “For me, I’ll just advise him to go to the Premier League, but he knows best. Everybody can say whatever they want, but the player who is playing and doing the job knows what is in his heart and head. So whatever decision he makes, I’m 101% in support of him.”
Beyond football advice, Ighalo also came to Osimhen’s defense amidst online criticism targeted at the Napoli-owned striker.
In a tweet on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ighalo revealed that he had spoken to Osimhen and could feel the pain in his voice over how he had been treated during a saga with Finidi George—his former national team coach.
“No human being is perfect, and we have all made mistakes in life. But seeing comments about this young man from his own country people makes me really sad; without even knowing what happened, I spoke to him, and I can feel the pain in his voice, the way he’s been treated. This young man plays with heart and pains for his country,” Ighalo posted.
The bond between Ighalo and several national team players didn’t end with tweets or public advice. He was also seen holidaying and posing for photos with Paul Onuachu recently, which further firms his role as a mentor and friend off the pitch for these players.
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Although Ighalo is yet to announce his retirement from international football, he is a true elder statesman of the Super Eagles squad.
