Ighalo says he almost retired from international football for this reason

Ighalo says the death threats himself and his family members got after Nigeria’s exit from the 2018 World cup tournament in Russia almost forced him to retire from international football.

In an interview with KweseESPN, the 29-year-old China-based star said he got concerned when his fans turned against him and bombarded him and his wife, Sonia, with a series of death threats.

During the interview, the striker says:

“I know the fans want me to score goals. I understand them. But some of them took it to another level. They said a lot of things. To my innocent kids, to my wife, even to the extent they threatened my life and the life of my family.“I felt very bad (when they threatened my family). I had to talk to my wife because she could not take it. Some words they said about my kids, about me. Some words they said to her, threatening and all that. That is beyond football.

“My wife said ‘you don’t have to go there (to Nigeria) any more’ and it was because of all what they said to her and to our family.” 

He credited Rohr for trusting him again and helping to rescind his decision to quit the national team.

“I want to thank Rohr because after the World Cup and all those things happened, he called me before the Seychelles game [in September] and I told him I was contemplating stopping because it is not easy.

“But the coach had belief in me. He said, ‘I know you are a good goal scorer and I know you can do it. Come and show them that you can score.’ If a coach believes in me, then I will come. I told him ‘coach, if I am in your plans hundred per cent then I will honour the invitation any time you call me.'”

“He said ‘yes, you are in my plans for the games’. Then he said ‘don’t be under pressure, just go do your thing, I know you can do it.’ That gave me the confidence which I believed that I needed. I want to thank him for defending me and giving me the words like a father, encouraging me, talking to me. He gave me more belief and I thank God for repaying him with these goals.”