Eguavoen plans to unleash Ighalo against Ghana in W/Cup playoff

Nigeria head coach Augustine Eguavoen is planning to unleash Odion Ighalo against Ghana’s Black Stars.

The experienced striker has been included in the Super Eagles squad which will face the Black Stars in the final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification later this month.

Ighalo was not part of Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon after he was not released by his then club Al Shabab to participate in the tournament.

The former Manchester United star has since joined Al Shabab’s Saudi Arabian rivals, Al Hilal and he has impressively scored seven goals in six top-flight games for his new team.

Having coached Ighalo at the under-23 level in 2012, Eguavboen will be counting on the 32-year-old’s experience to lead the attack against the Black Stars.

“Up there we have got Osimhen, Sadiq, and the experience of Ighalo. I also spoke with Olayinka as well. I know their qualities,” Eguavoen told Elegbete TV Sports.

“Odion Ighalo last played for me in the U23s, but I have watched him play wherever he was, up to Manchester United and where he is now.

“We have to see him closely again, not that the door is shut for everyone out there, so this is only a game.”

The first leg between Nigeria and Ghana will be played in Kumasi on Friday 29 March, with the return set for Abuja on Tuesday 29 March.