Ephraim Nwosu
Injured Super Eagles talisman, Odion Ighalo, has sent a message of hope to Nigerian soccer fans, who are banking on him to put smiles on their faces when action begins in Egypt on June 21 in the Nations Cup.
Odion says he is as fit as a fiddle to be part of Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the continental showpiece.
There have been fears in some quarters that the former Watford goal poacher is in danger of missing the 2019 AFCON after picking up an injury in Shangai Shenshua’s 1-1 draw against Tiajin in the Chinese Super League.
But in a swift reaction, the 29-year old disclosed in a chat with The Nigerian Xpress Sports that doctors are working round the clock to ensure he is in the plane to the North African country.
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“Some people are wondering whether I’ll make the final squad for the Nations Cup or not but the scan test has proved them wrong. It was just a minor hamstring and it won’t be serious enough to stop me from going to Egypt. I’ve already started training and there is no cause for alarm,’’ he assured.
“I had to stay away from the games against Shandong Luneng and Dalian Yifang as a precautionary measure but I’ll be ready for the subsequent games before joining my teammates at the camp for the Nations Cup. To be honest with you, there is nothing to worry about. It would have been a big blow for me and the country at large but I thank God I’m recuperating fast.”
Ighalo, Super Eagles top scorer in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers with seven goals has been in rich vein of form for Shangai Shenhua in the CSL this season scoring seven goals in nine league appearances. He is currently the highest goal scorer in the CSL behind Graziano Pelle and Eran Zahavi who have netted.
