Mixed reactions are trailing the inclusion of Changchun Yatai of China striker, Odion Jude Ighalo in the Super Eagles’ squad to battle Libya in next weekend’s Afirca Cup of Nations qualifier.
With Ighalo failing to show top form during national team matches, sports247.ng learnt that critical comments are trailing his inclusion in the latest list of invitees for the home and away games against Libya.
Although Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr argues that Ighalo is still in top form with his club, and even hit home his 18th goal of the Chinese Super League season last weekend, critics insist the striker is a let down in green-and-white.
Ironically, Ighalo got one of Nigeria’s goals in the Eagles’ 3-0 win away to Seychelles in the previous match of the AFCON 2019 qualifiers, which could again justify Rohr’s faith in him.
However, the counter argument raised on this point is that most of Ighalo’s goals of recent, including the one against Seychelles and last weekend in China, have come from penalties, which observers insists puts a question on his abilities during open play.
It is now left to be seen if Ighalo will prove his critics wrong when he lines out against Libya on October 13 in Uyo, as he appears to be Rohr’s sacred cow for a starting role.
The exclusion of Crotone striker, Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo (Simy) from the latest roll call leaves Ighalo to have a free rein into the starting line up in Uyo, unless Rohr pullsoff a shock set up by naming Watford’s in-form all-action hitman, Isaac Success to star alongside Ahmed Musa.
However, the player under focus appeared nonplussed, as he chose instead to think about Nigeria at 58, and posted via @judeighalofans: “Happy Independence Day To A Great Nation, Nigeria. ??❤️❤️ God bless our dear country. #Nigeria #Independenceday.”
