Returning Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has said that his second coming was aimed at strengthening the team and not to destabilise the Coach Gernot Rohr-tutored side.
“I have been watching the team from afar and they have been doing well and I am happy to be back, “ the 32-year-old Al Shabab player told NFF TV, as he dismissed insinuation that he paid his way back to the team. “Happy to see the boys again and happy to give them my support and whatever way the coach needs me to support the team, I am here for the team.”
“Since the day I announced my retirement I have been hearing so many things on the internet and I don’t pay attention to them.
” Since my retirement in 20019, the coach and I have been communicating for me to come back, which I have said I don’t think I would come back to the team.
“The pressure was too much that I had to tell my agent to talk to the NFF President because when I signed for my team in Saudi Arabia, I told them I am no longer playing for the national team. But to get my release to come was kind of difficult. I am happy to be back to give my support.
“So many people were saying I paid my way to the national team despite what I have given to the national team at this level.
“The most important thing for me is to support the guys. I am coming to support not to destabilise the team. I am not here to drag position with anybody.
“I am happy to see Osimhen doing well because I told him when I was leaving that he needs to work hard to maintain the number nine shirt.
“ I am not going to play with the number nine jersey because Osimhen will keep the number nine jersey. I told them to give me any jersey available as Osimhen is using it and he is doing well.
“It is not the shirt that scores the goal but I am here to give my best for the team. I am happy Osimhen is doing well and I hope he continues to do well and it is his time to shine. I am not here to take his shine off him,” he said.
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