Odion Ighalo Recalls Dreadful Childhood Days Inside Slums of Ajegunle Area in Lagos

• Odion Ighalo has disclosed what it actually means to grow up in Ajegunle area of Lagos and then become successful in life
• Ajegunle is a dedicated slum in Lagos, Nigeria, but the striker went on to play for top clubs including Manchester United
• Ighalo stated that life showed him its worst side at an early age, but he is delighted to have come out on the very top

Nigerian international Odion Ighalo has expressed fulfilment after growing up in the slums of Ajegunle, a densely populated suburb in Lagos State.

‘AJ City’ as the area is fondly called is a neighbourhood located in the heart of Lagos and despite that the place is synonymous with several social vices, it has produced some of the very best individuals from Nigeria.

Despite being regarded as home to some of the poorest, Ajegunle has so far produced some of Nigeria’s finest musicians, tech experts, actors and what have you.

PSG players’ wives and girlfriends in 2024 with pictures

Football

Several Nigerian football stars including Samson Siasia, Taribo West, Emmanuel Amuneke, Ikpe Ekong, Brown Ideye and Odion Ighalo all grew up in the 'dreadful ghettos' of Ajegunle.

Ighalo began his career with Prime FC of Oshogbo in 2005 before joining Julius Berger FC a year later.

The striker then moved to Europe joining Norwegian outfit Lyn in 2007 and has featured for clubs in England including Manchester United. He also played in China.

Soccernet reports that the 33-year-old who currently plays for Saudi outfit Al-Hilal took to Instagram to share what it means to come out successful despite growing up in Ajegunle.

Ighalo wrote:

“Some of us matured early because life showed us the worst side of the world at an early age. We see pepper for Ajegunle those years but God did it.”

Ranking the 10 best football academies in Africa right now

Football

Ighalo celebrates his first-ever career title

Meanwhile, Ighalo won his first-ever career title after inspiring Al Hilal to win the Saudi Professional League on Monday night.

The former Manchester United forward scored twice to help Al Hilal defeat Al Faisaly 2-1 in their final league game of the season at the King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh.

Ighalo also finished the campaign as the top scorer after bagging 24 goals in the course of the season as it became the 18th time Al Hilal will be winning the title.

Bayern Munich prepare bid to sign Osimhen

Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen could be on the verge of joining Bayern Munich this summer as the Bundesliga champions are weighing up an astronomical bid for the Nigerian.

Osimhen has been hugely impressive for the Serie A giants since joining the club in 2020 from Lille and emerged as the team’s top scorer in the 2021/22 campaign with 18 goals in all competitions.

The 23-year-old’s performances have now attracted the interest of Bayern Munich who are now willing to table €120m to sign the Nigerian forward from Napoli.