Odion Ighalo on Wednesday revealed how he almost retired from the Super Eagles, after the life of family were threatened following his below par performance at the 2018 Russia World cup.
The Changchun Yatai hit-man has netted six goals in his last three consecutive games for the Super Eagles, with the Hat-trick against Libya in Uyo, followed by a crucial brace in Sfax Tunisia, and these have enabled the Nigeria team to top their group.
“I felt very bad (when they threatened my family). I had to talk to my wife because she could not take it”. “Some words they said about my kids, about me. Some words they said to her, threatening and all that. That is beyond football,” revealed the former Watford front-man to KweseESPN yesterday.
The former Watford hit-man further revealed how his wife disapproved of his return to the Nigerian team following the World cup in Russia. The Changchun player missed crucial chances against Argentina in the last match of the group stages and this is believed to be what triggered the threat.
“My wife said ‘you don’t have to go there (to Nigeria) any more’ and it was because of all what they said to her and to our family,” the Eagles forward recalled”.
However, Ighalo has redeemed himself with the forward netting 5 goals in his last two outing and these have enabled Nigeria to sit at the top of their group.
“I know the fans want me to score goals. I understand them. But some of them took it to another level.”