By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has revealed he is open to returning to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), following in the footsteps of compatriots like Ahmed Musa and Brown Ideye.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) top scorer acknowledged that transitioning back to the domestic league would not be straightforward but remains hopeful if the right environment is created.
Having launched his professional career with Julius Berger in Nigeria before making his mark in Europe and Asia, Ighalo said he is open to returning home to give back to Nigerian football in the latter stages of his career.
In a recent conversation with Nigerian beach soccer legend Abu Azeez, Ighalo expressed his willingness to play in Nigeria again, emphasising the challenges involved after nearly two decades abroad.
“I would love to play but I have to guarantee my security,” he stated.
“It’s not just playing, there are so many things involved. Playing almost 20 years outside Nigeria and then coming back to play in your homeland, I know it’s going to be tough, but if certain things are put in place, why not? I would love to.”
Ighalo still plays for Al Wehda, but he has indicated a willingness to play in the NPFL for six months to a year without salary, provided there is adequate security, improved media coverage, and competent refereeing in the league.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
