Official: Ighalo is out of the 2021 CAF Africa cup of nations
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Odion Ighalo won’t be participating in the 2021 CAF Africa cup of nations, starting January 9, Sunday in Cameroon.
In a statement released by the Football ruling body in Nigeria- the 2019 Afcon golden boot winner will not be at the 33rd Africa cup of Nations.
“Forward Odion Ighalo is no longer expected as a result of issues with his Saudi Arabian club,”- NFF
Ighalo was expected to lead the Super Eagles forward following the withdrawal of Osimhen, Dennis, and Paul Onachu, but that will no longer be the case.
Ighalo’s absence at the tournament was reportedly due to contractual issues between the player and the Suadi Arabian club, Al Shabab.
According to reports, before Ighalo joins the Saudi Arabian outfit, there is a clause in the contract that he will not honor any international call-up.
Before making that move, Ighalo has announced his retirement from international football, but the former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr recalled him to solve the Super Eagles attacking problems.
The NFF has drafted the Netherland-based Kolawole Dessers as a possible replacement for the former Manchester United player.
Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigeria interim coach has earlier said that it will be a “bit of worry” if Odion Ighalo don’t make it to Cameroon. He might need to tweak Nigeria’s playing style at Afcon.
Nigeria is in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea Bissau. The Super Eagles will kick off their AFCON campaign against Egypt on January 11. On January 14, they will take on the Falcons of Jedaine and end their Afcon group stage against the Djurtus on January 18.
