TheCable

Odion Ighalo, former Super Eagles striker, says he is willing to play in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) for free. 

The 34-year-old spoke in a recent chat with Elegbete TV.

Ighalo had a brief spell in the Nigerian leagues with Prime FC of Osun and Julius Berger of Lagos before moving to Europe in 2007.

Speaking on the possibility of a return, the Ajegunle-born striker said playing in the Nigerian league would be “a great privilege” before he ends his career.

However, he said security, coverage and officiating must improve before he can make such a move.

“I said if security is guaranteed, good coverage is assured and better officiating. Of course, [I will play]. I have played in the league before, and it will be a great privilege for me to play again for another six months or one year before I end my career,” Ighalo said.

“But you do not want to be playing and be scared of your life or what is going to happen next. Then, it does not worth it. Because if I am going to play, I will not do it because I want to make money. I am not even going to take money from any team. I will just play because I want to fulfil something.”

Ighalo is a free agent after his contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal ran out last month.

The former Manchester United forward is not the first top-level Super Eagles player to express a passion for playing in the NPFL.

In 2021, Ahmed Musa had a brief spell with Kano Pillars after leaving Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia.