The head coach of Ajagun football club of Port Harcourt, Olaniye Owolabi, has described the return of Odion Ighalo back to Super Eagles square as a welcome development.
He stated that, we Nigerians talk a lot about over-aged players, adding that, Ighalo is still young and active to play football.
Owolabi said this, in a telephone interview with Tidesports when he heard that the technical adviser of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr had called back the striker to the team.
According to him, Ighalo is a fantastic player, adding that he is in full support of his return, because apart from his abilities in front of the goal, he can also serve as a mentor to younger players in the team.
Ighalo, who netted 16 goals in 35 appearances for Eagles in a career that spanned four years, announced his retirement after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019 in Cameroon, where he emerged top scorer.
He explained that, in European countries, there are a lot of players older than than Ighalo that are still playing.
“So Ighalo’s coming back to the Super Eagles is like a morale booster to the team.
It will boost the moral of the young ones and also, he will encourage the young players to play more better.
 His presence in the team will matter a lot to the young ones,” Owolabi said.
Also speaking, the managing director of Vendyke FC of Port Harcourt, Benjamin Iyama, said bringing back Ighalo is a  plus to the team and most of the boys will look up to him.
According to him, if we are not personal, Ighalo would ginger the young players in the team to do better.
“His presence will no doubt motivate the boys to do more better.
Experience is the best teacher, I think Ighalo’s inclusion will make a lot of difference,” Iyama said.

By: Kiadum Edookor