Super Eagles Striker Odion Ighalo Has Named 2 Individuals Who Pressured Him to Return to National Team

• Odion Ighalo had in 2019 announced his retirement from the national team, and Nigerians were surprised when he returned this year
• The Al-Shabab of Saudi Arabia striker has disclosed that he was pressured to return by Gernot Rohr and Amaju Pinnick
• Nigerian football fans have been left divided following the return of the 32-year-old to the Super Eagles squad

Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo has disclosed that he was pressured to return to the national team by Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr and Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, Leadership reports.

Recall that the former Watford of England striker dumped the national colours shortly after inspiring Nigeria to the bronze medal at AFCON 2019 where he emerged highest goal scorer.

The 32-year-old however returned to the squad in the final phase of the second round qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup which comes two years after he announced his retirement.

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Ighalo’s return to the national team has left fans divided as some claim it could hamper the progress of Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.

How Ighalo was pressured to return

Rohr and Pinnick actually pressured the former Manchester United striker back to the team.

Ighalo told ESPN via Sportsbay:

“Since I resigned in 2019, the coach has been in communication with me to come back. Game after game he would call me and ask me when I am coming back. The pressure was a lot.

“I kept telling him I don’t think I want to come back but the pressure was too much and then the NFF President joined in.”

He further revealed that Rohr support following the threats he received after a poor 2018 World Cup performance played a role in his return.

Rohr wants Nigerians to be patient with Ighalo

Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr has insisted that Nigerians should be patient for Odion Ighalo to hit top form for the Super Eagles.

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Nigerian qualified for the playoffs despite being held by Cape Verde at 1-1 apiece at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos

Fans are not happy with the Al-Shabab's striker's performance on the night and Rohr has called from calm and patience.

Bonfrere Jo officially applies for Super Eagles job

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that a former Super Eagles coach Bonfrere Jo has officially applied to take over from German tactician Gernot Rohr who is under heavy criticism.

The Dutchman is keenly interested in returning to management and would love to take the Nigerian national team to the Nations Cup in January.

Several reports claim Rohr is set to be sacked from his position and Bonfrere is hoping for a shock return to that position.