“Nigerians wanted to bury me alive”

OdionIghalo had some successes with the Super Eagles, but there were some forgettable moments 

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has revealed that the aftermath of Nigeria’s elimination at the 2018 World Cup and their loss to Ghana in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers were two of his worst moments.

Soccernet.ng reports that Ighalo enjoyed a decent international career with the Super Eagles. He won bronze with the team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He also picked up the Golden Boot for the tournament.

The 34-year-old striker was also instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup. However, Ighalo also had some disappointments. But two cases stand out for him.

His profligacy in front of goal in their final group game against Argentina was part of what cost the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup.

Unfortunately for him, it was to the chagrin of Nigerian fans who continually abused him for weeks after the Super Eagles’ ouster.

Also, Ighalo was involved when Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Abuja which knocked them out because of the away goal rule.

“The two worst experiences I had with the Super Eagles was the game against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup when I missed a chance and the whole of Nigeria wanted to bury me alive,” Ighalo told Elegbete TV.

“Also the last World Cup which we did not qualify for was another bad time for me. I believe we had the tools and everything in our possession to qualify for that World Cup.

“We were playing at home, which was an advantage. The stadium was crowded that day and that was an advantage for us.

“But due to some circumstances or selfish reasons for some people, we did not get to qualify. However, we have to look forward.

The former Al Hilal man has not been with the team since they failed to qualify for the World Cup last year. Getting back into the fold could be tough for him because of the number of quality strikers that Nigeria possesses at the moment.