Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has lifted the lid on one of the reasons why the Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to get the much needed result against Ghana in the World Cup playoff, that would have sealed their spot at the tournament in Qatar.
Nigeria drew 1-1 with Ghana in Abuja after a 0-0 draw away at Kumasi and the Black Stars progressed on the away goal rule. Ighalo who was handed a recall to the team was a late minute substitute in that game.
Speaking to Oma Sports TV, the Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia forward revealed that the lineup that prosecuted the 1-1 draw against Ghana in Abuja was changed two hours to the game. He said they trained to play with two strikers upfront which was himself and Victor Osimhen. However on that day Osimhen was played as the lone striker.
“There is so much going on in the Super Eagles. I am the guy who does not talk much, and I don’t create problems. I’m on my lane, and that’s why I’m in Saudi Arabia; I do my thing and live my life. I don’t want issues.” he told the host of the interview Oma Akatugba.
“They told me two hours before the game that I was not going to start. We were having lunch, and they had to call me out that we want to do this and that. Even the coach did not call me. It was (Joseph) Yobo who told me of the change” he continued.
“I said no problem. Senior man, no problem, he is the coach, my prayer is that whatever the formation is, we win the game. God just said we were not going to the World Cup,” he added.
