Ighalo Set to Gain Historic Comeback Match With Nigeria on Tuesday

Al-Shabab of Saudi Arabia striker, Odion Jude Ighalo is set to make history on Tuesday as the latest Nigerian player to get a comeback match with the national team, e360hubs.com reports.

The feat is rare among Nigerian players, to retire from the national team and then stage a return after years of absence, but that is exactly what Ighalo stands to achieve by featuring against Cape Verde.

It is the last match of the group stage of the African qualifiers for Qatar 2022 World Cup, the Super Eagles will face The Blue Sharks in Lagos and Ighalo was recalled for the game to add experience to the Nigerian attack.

He did not get to feature in last Saturday’s penultimate game ‘away’ to Liberia in Tangier, Morocco, but that is now behind him and the stage is set for his dramatic return in green-and-white.

Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr said afterwards that Ighalo was not listed for Saturday’s win over The Lone Star because he arrived late to camp in Tangier.

A report by goal.com adds: “Rohr has now confirmed Ighalo’s place for their final 2022 World Cup qualifying group match against Cape Verde Islands on Tuesday.

“The Super Eagles are aiming to avoid defeat at Teslim Balogun Stadium, to secure qualification for the final play-off round.

“After beating Liberia 2-0 on Saturday, Rohr’s men still lead Group C with 12 points after five games while Cape Verde trail in second place by just two points.

“Ighalo, who recently returned from international retirement, did not make the matchday squad on Saturday but he is now in contention for Tuesday’s game.”

Rohr posited ahead of Tuesday’s game at Teslim Balogun Stadium: “Ighalo can help us very much. I don’t know if he will start the game or not.

“We will make a decision after the training but Ighalo will help us. He can score every moment, each situation he’s able because he’s very clever to score a goal.”