Super Eagles Legend Outlines Importance of Ighalo Returning to the National Team

• Garba Lawal has thrown his weight behind the return of Odion Ighalo to the national team after retiring two years ago
• The Super Eagles legend believes the former Man United forward will help add experience to the crop of young players
• The 32-year-old has maintained his scoring form since joining Al-Ashabab as he has scored eight goals in nine appearances this season

Garba Lawal has stated that retired Nigerian international Odion Ighalo is still relevant to the Super Eagles, AOI Football.

The 32-year-old who currently plies his trade with Saudi Arabian out Al-Shabab has been in good scoring form for his side in the new season, scoring eight goals in nine matches.

The former Man United striker called it quits after Nigeria came third at the AFCON 2019 tournament and was named the top marksman of the competition with five goals.

What Lawal said

And Super Eagles legend Lawal believes Igahlo's presence in the team would also inspire the current crop of young players in Gernot Rohr's side.

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Lawal said:

“Ighalo has the experience but it also depends on the coach’s philosophy and methodology to make use of the player.

“No doubt, we have Victor Osimhen who has been doing well and the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho who have also stepped up a couple of times, but they also need to learn more and probably maintain their consistency with the National team."

Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick recently spoke about Ighalo's return to the team but emphasized it had to be on the coaches demand, This Day.

However, Nigerians feel Igahlo has no part to play in the team after the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu have found their rhythm wearing the green and white colours.

Lawal's opinion on Ighalo derail young players in the Super Eagles

But Lawal stressed that Ighalo's return will not in any way hamper the younger players in the team as he continued.

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“I don’t feel Ighalo’s presence would derail players who are already doing well in the Super Eagles. Already, Ighalo knows that if he returns, he won’t be guaranteed regular playing time, but I think he would probably have a discussion with the coach regarding his role in the team.”

Bayern Munich plan huge summer transfer move for Osimhen

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that it has been no surprise that top European clubs have been linked with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen following his goalscoring form, Complete Sports, The Hard Tackle.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are the latest among the top clubs battling to sign the Nigerian international.

According to reports from Spanish news media outlet AS, the German champions could offer €100million for the Super Eagles forward.