The frontman’s inclusion in the Eagles’ provisional squad has allayed fears of him missing out of the continental showpiece after an injury scare
When news spread that Odion Ighalo was forced off through injury in the 12th minute of Shanghai Greenland Shenhua’s encounter with Tianjin TEDA at the weekend, the apprehension was palpable for Nigerians.
And for obvious reasons too: the prolific frontman’s rich vein of form for Nigeria in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying saw him top the scorers chart with seven goals, with the hat-trick in a 4-0 success against Libya, as well as a brace against the same opponents in a 3-2 away victory standing out.