Ighalo Rejects Claims His Celebration Against Al Nassr Was A Jab at Ronaldo

• Odion Ighalo has opened up on his celebration against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr
• The Nigeria striker has been accused of celebrating like Lionel Messi during the game
• Ighalo scored a brace for Al-Hilal as his team defeated Ronaldo's Al-Nassr last month

Nigeria striker, Odion Ighalo has responded to claims that his Lionel Messi-like celebration during Al-Hilal's victory over Al-Nassr was a jab at the Argentine's long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ighalo scored twice as Al-Hilal defeated Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League last month.

The Super Eagles forward raised his hands high to celebrate in a manner PSG's Messi does whenever he scores, leading to reports that he did that to spite the Portuguese striker.

Ighalo prefaced his response to the claims by stating that when he scored a goal, he dedicated that goal to God.

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"It was not Ighalo versus Ronaldo, it was Al-Hilal versus Al-Nassr so I am happy we won the game. I scored two goals and people say I celebrated like Messi," he told Oma Akatugba TV.

"If you know me, you will know I have been celebrating like that since I arrived in Europe in 2007, when I started playing professional football and till date..."

The veteran forward went on to explain that he has absolute respect for the former Manchester United striker, who he described as his idol.

"I love [Ronaldo] so much and I have too much respect for him. Despite [us winning] the other day does not change who Ronaldo is or what he has achieved in football."

Ighalo also feels people should stop talking down on Ronaldo because he is playing in Saudi Arabia.

"He is a great player and has done a lot for football, and I have so much respect for him."

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It was the second time the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations golden boot winner was playing against the Portuguese veteran, with their first meeting coming in Spain when Ighalo played for Granada and Ronaldo for Real Madrid.

Ighalo scores brace against Al-Nassr

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Nigerian international, Ighalo being the match hero after scoring a brace in Al-Hilal’s 2-0 win over Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

The Nigerian scored from the penalty spot in the 42nd and 62nd minutes to ensure his side claimed all three points at home against the Cristiano Ronaldo-captained side.

As the race for the league title blows open, Al-Nassr are now three points behind league leaders, Al-Ittihad, who have one game in hand in the final stretch of the term.