2022 WCQ: Ighalo, Onazi justify inclusion in squad against Black Stars
Ighalo has insisted he has been a professional for over 17 years and so will not be concerned with what critics say about him
Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo has said he was not disturbed by those criticising his comeback to the national team even when younger strikers are scoring goals in Europe.
Ighalo has been named on a provisional squad for the World Cup playoffs against Ghana later this month after his former Saudi Arabian club, Al Shabab blocked him from the recent AFCON in Cameroon.
Younger strikers like Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi and Sadiq Umar are doing the business in front of goal in top European leagues, while 32-year-old Ighalo is winding down his career in Saudi Arabia.
Ighalo has insisted he has been a professional for over 17 years and so will not be concerned with what critics say about him.
“I don’t pay attention to that. Everything they are saying is their own cup of tea,” he told ESPN.
“At my age, I just signed to a new team (Al Hilal). This is my 11th team in my professional career.
“I have been called up, I will take my bag and I will go to represent my country and give my 100%.
“As long as I come out from every game and satisfied with my performance – whether it is a win, loss or draw – then that’s it.
“I’m a professional footballer. That’s what I’ve been doing for 17, 18 years, so why would I be worried about what people say?”
Though on standby, Ogenyi Onazi believes he still has a lot in his tank to offer the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Onazi was placed on standby by Super Eagles Technical Adviser Austin Eguaveon, ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ghana later this month.
However, his inclusion generated a negative reaction from the Nigeria Football community — with many fans blasting Austine Eguavoen for the decision.
And speaking on how the fans took the news of his possible return, Onazi who is playing in Saudi Arabian Professional second division, said he wasn’t surprised about Eguaveon’s decision.
The former Lazio and Trabzonspor midfielder said, he still has a lot to offer the team and where is playing at the moment has nothing to do with his ability.
“It’s not a surprise for me because I’m still playing and I’m ready to play anytime and when it comes to the national team, I’m always at the service of the nation – to always give my best for the country.
“Personally, I don’t listen to what they write online. I’m still on the reserve list, not yet on the main list so we can’t tell what’s going to happen. Let’s keep it that way and then we’ll see what’s going to happen.
“As far as I’m concerned, football in this present situation now – it doesn’t matter if you’re playing in Manchester United or you’re playing in Kazakhstan or wherever. You’re not taking your club to go and play in the national team, you’re taking your individual skill and ability to join with your fellow players and make a team.
“During my time at the national team, I never had a problem with anybody. I’ve always been a person in the middle – between the young and the old – to make them integrate into the team. When I’m on the pitch, I give my all until I’m almost dead.” He told Omasport.
