Ighalo, AFCON 2019 Golden Boot Winner, Retires.
Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo announced on Saturday his
retirement from international football after winning the Golden Boot at the
Africa Cup of Nations.
The 30-year-old Shanghai Shenhua striker struck five times
as the Super Eagles finished third in Egypt, bagging him the top scorer honours
with two goals more than Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Cedric Bakambu.
"It's been an amazing 5 years journey, but after the
due consultation and extensive discussion with my family, I have decided it's
time for me to retire from the national team," Ighalo said in a statement.
"It's been an eventful and most memorable opportunity
to serve my country with pride, passion and contribute my quota to the
development of our football. It's now time to concentrate on club football and
give the younger players a chance to learn and grow."
Ighalo almost quit Nigeria duty after last year's World Cup
following sharp criticism and even death threats, but was encouraged to stay on
by Gernot Rohr, who Ighalo says stood by him "against all odds".
He repaid in full Rohr's faith in him, finishing top scorer
in qualifying for the tournament before his impressive showing in Egypt, which
featured a standout display as Nigeria knocked out defending champions Cameroon
in the last 16. Ighalo scored twice and set up Alex Iwobi's winner in a
thrilling 3-2 win.
In total Ighalo scored 16 goals for Nigeria in 35
appearances, and he also captained the country´s Under-20 team to the 2009
World Cup, also held in Egypt.
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