Super Eagles: Ighalo to join Mikel Obi in retirement

Nigeria’s hitman, in current form, Odion Jude Ighalo, is set to join his captain Mikel Obi in retirement from the Super Eagles.

He plies his trade at Chinese club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua and may be on his way back to Premier League this season.

Ighalo who scored five goals in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to stay in contention for the Golden Boot dropped hint of retirement from the national team moments after the Eagles clinched Broze after beating Tunisia via a lone Ighalo strike in Egypt. The team which departs Cairo today is expected back in Abuja Friday.

Earlier, Super Eagles’ skipper, Mikel Obi, says he has retired from international football.

Obi,32, made the disclosure via his Instagram handle @mikel_john_obi on Thursday, after leading the side to the third place of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Obi made his debut at AFCON in the 2006 tournament hosted by Egypt.

“Egypt is a country where I started and have finished my national career. In 2006, I played my first official championship for my country.

‘‘2019 African Cup of Nations marks my last championship for national team with Super Eagles,” he wrote on his page.

The 32-year-old began his career in 2003.

“My national career started in 2003 under 17 World Cup and ‘am grateful to the national team for placing me on the world arena and giving me an opportunity to show my skills and have an incredible national and international career.

“At the age of 32, it’s time for me to retire from the national team and let the youth take over, we’ve done an amazing job by securing a bronze medal at AFCON 2019.

“Thank you to all my Nigerian supporters and to my country for all the trust, support and love you’ve shown me over the past 15 years.”

NAN reports that Mikel also won a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.