NPFL: Ideye's goal for Enyimba down Kano Pillars as Ighalo gives condition to play at home
Two goals from reliable striker Joseph Atule and former Super Eagles player Brown Ideye made the difference as Enyimba defeated Kano Pillars 2–1 in Aba on Saturday.
Atule opened the scoring in the 35th minute, while Ideye added a second in the 48th minute for the Elephants.
Pillars came out in the second half in search of an equaliser, making several incursions into the Enyimba box and firing shots.
Enyimba goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena made a crucial save in the 71st minute, but Naibe Akpesiri eventually pulled one back for Pillars in the 81st minute.
Meanwhile, Al Wehda striker Odion Ighalo has expressed his willingness to conclude his football career in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, provided certain conditions are met.
Ighalo began his professional journey with Prime FC (later renamed Osun United) before moving on to Julius Berger FC. He then signed for Lyn in Norway ahead of the 2007/2008 season.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ighalo has featured across Europe, China, and the Middle East, amassing 194 goals and 37 assists in 404 appearances.
Speaking on the Abu Azeez Podcast, the 35-year-old 2019 Africa Cup of Nations golden boot winner responded to questions about the possibility of ending his career in the domestic league.
“I would love to play, but I have to guarantee my security, and I would have to honour what I say because it’s not just about playing.
“There are so many things involved in it, you understand. Going from playing almost twenty years outside of Nigeria to coming back to your home town. I know it’s going to be tough, but if certain things are put in place, why not? I’d love to.
“If they can make progress and sort out some things in the league, it’ll be good and I believe you’ll see more ex-Internationals or more Nigerian players that have played abroad will come back to come and finish their careers in Nigeria, but when many things are not guaranteed, making such decision is difficult,” Ighalo said.
His comments reflect a growing sentiment among Nigerian footballers abroad who remain hopeful for a more structured and secure domestic league that could eventually welcome its expatriate stars home.
