In a heartfelt gesture during a preseason friendly, Granada CF paid tribute to their former striker, Odion Ighalo, recognizing his significant contributions to the club both on and off the pitch.
The match, which pitted Granada against Ighalo’s current team, Al-Wehda, ended in a 1-1 draw before Granada secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
Ighalo, who was on loan at Granada for four years during the early stages of his career, showed he still had his magic touch by scoring against his former team.
However, the highlight of the evening came before the game, when Ighalo was presented with a framed jersey featuring his name and the number of appearances he made for the club. The framed jersey was a gesture of appreciation from Granada, acknowledging the impact Ighalo had during his time with them.
Granada CF’s official social media account shared a touching video of Ighalo’s warm welcome, captioned with the message, “Esta siempre será tu casa, @ighalojude,” meaning “This will always be your home, @ighalojude.”
In the video, Ighalo was seen being called over during his warm-up to receive the special gift from a club representative, highlighting the bond that remains between the player and the club.
The tribute was a poignant reminder of Ighalo’s successful stint with Granada, where he became a fan favorite. Fans of both Ighalo and Granada CF appreciated the recognition, which further solidified the connection between the club’s past and present.
The moment also served as an inspiration to young athletes within the club and the local community, underscoring the importance of honoring talent and contributions.
Since his time at Granada, Ighalo has gone on to play for several prominent clubs, including Udinese, Watford, and Manchester United, and is currently continuing his career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Wehda.
