Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has dropped a suggestive hint about his retirement plans, indicating that he may have no more than three years left in his football career.
The 34-year-old, who joined Al-Wehda from Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League last August, hinted at his limited remaining time in the sport. Despite making his senior debut for Nigeria in 2015, Ighalo emerged as a key player late in his career.
Following a notable performance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where he scored five goals in seven games, Ighalo announced his retirement from international football.
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However, he returned to the national team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, making three appearances before Nigeria’s elimination from the tournament.
While his international career may have ended, Ighalo continues to excel at the club level, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where he has scored 12 goals in 26 league appearances this season.
His remarkable contributions for Al-Hilal last season included 21 goals and three assists in 34 games across all competitions.
Despite his continued success on the field, Ighalo hinted at the possibility of retirement in the near future. Speaking to Oma Sports TV, he emphasized the importance of financial incentives in his decision-making, stating, “I’ve played for passion all my life, I have to play for money now.”
Ighalo’s career has seen him transition from Europe to China and back, including a memorable stint with Manchester United.
With a successful track record that includes 55 goal contributions in 100 appearances for Watford in England, Ighalo’s journey exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the world of football.
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