“I’m open to playing in NPFL once again” – Odion Ighalo

Photo Credit – Saudi Pro League club Al-Wehda.

Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo has said he would love to end his career by playing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) once again.

The former Watford striker began his career with Prime FC (later renamed Osun United) before moving on to Julius Berger FC. The former Manchester United forward left the shores of Nigeria in the 2007/2008 season, joining Norwegian side, Lyn.

The 35-year-old AFCON winner said that, he has intentions to play in the NPFL once again but with conditions attached. “I would love to play, but I have to guarantee my security, and I would have to honour what I say because it’s not just about playing.

“There are so many things involved in it, you understand. Going from playing almost twenty years outside of Nigeria to coming back to your home town. I know it’s going to be tough, but if certain things are put in place, why not? I’d love to.

“If they can make progress and sort out some things in the league, it’ll be good and I believe you’ll see more ex-Internationals or more Nigerian players that have played abroad will come back to come and finish their careers in Nigeria, but when many things are not guaranteed, making such decision is difficult,” the former Udinese striker said on the Abu Azeez Podcast.

Ighalo’s last appearance in a Super Eagles jersey was in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Ghana in March 2022. Ighalo has played several leagues across Europe, China and the Middle East, scoring 194 goals, and providing 37 assists in 404 career games.

He has played 27 matches scoring five goals with two assists for Saudi Pro League side Al-Wehda this season. He has 37 caps for the Super Eagles with 16 goals scored.