Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has hinted at retirement, suggesting that he may have no more than three years left in his football career. The 34-year-old, who currently plays for Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, made these comments during an interview with Oma Sports TV.
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Odion Ighalo, known for his prolific goal-scoring record, made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2015. Despite announcing his retirement from international football after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, he made a brief return to the national team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Odion Ighaloemphasized the role of financial considerations in his decision-making process. “I don’t know when God says stop, but I know it’s not going to be more than three years before I stop. I’ve played for passion all my life, I have to play for money now,” he stated.
The Lagos-born forward highlighted the trend of players moving to leagues like Saudi Arabia for financial reasons, citing examples such as Cristiano Ronaldo. He emphasized that while passion for the game played a role earlier in his career, financial security has become a priority as he approaches the twilight years of his playing career.
Despite his focus on financial stability, Ighalo’s performance on the field remains impressive. This season, he has scored 12 goals in 26 league appearances for Al-Wehda. Last season, while playing for Al-Hilal, he netted 21 goals and provided three assists in 34 games across all competitions.
While Ighalo’s retirement plans may be looming, his dedication to the game and continued goal-scoring prowess demonstrate his ongoing commitment to football. As he navigates the final years of his career, his influence both on and off the pitch continues to be felt within the football community.
