Odion Ighalo quits international football days after winning the golden boot at AFCON 2019

Just days after powering Nigeria to the third-place at the recently concluded  2019 African Cup of Nations finals (AFCON) held in Egypt, Super Eagles’ skipper Odion Ighalo has hanged his international boots.

The striker, who also won the golden boot at AFCON 2018 after scoring five goals announced the “difficult” decision on Instagram. He said the decision was made after consultation with his family.

“This is one of the most difficult career decisions I have had to take. It’s been an amazing 5 years journey, but after due consultation and extensive discussion with my family, I have decided it’s time for me to retire from the National Team,” writes Ighalo.

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A grateful Ighalo calls the opportunity to play for the national team memory, noting he had served with “pride” and  “passion” during his contribution ” to the development of our football.”

His word: “It’s has been an eventful and most memorable opportunity to serve my country with pride, passion and to contribute my quota to the development of our football, the memories would stay with me for a long time and I’m immensely grateful.

“It is now time to concentrate on Club football and give the younger players the chance to learn and grow,” the post continues as he used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the national coach, Gernot Rohr, his teammates and the Nigerian fans.

“I would love to thank the NFF, coach Gernot Rohr for believing in me against all odds, to my teammates for their professionalism and team spirit without you guys I wouldn’t have achieved so much with this team“, writes he.

“To NIGERIAN football fans all over the world, I SAY THANK YOU, you were always there to cheer us on and our 12th players every time we step into the pitch. I will be watching and cheering the SUPER EAGLES from this side. THANK YOU…..signing OUT,” concludes the post.

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