Nigeria forward and 2019 AFCON top scorer Odion Ighalo has announced his retirement from international football.
Ighalo scored five goals in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, including four in the knockout rounds to guide Nigeria to the bronze medal.
The 30-year-old was also the top goal scorer during the tournament’s qualifiers with seven goals in four games only.
Following the end of the tournament, Ighalo decided to retire from international football on a high, joining his teammate John Obi Mikel, who announced his decision two days ago.
Ighalo made his debut for the Super Eagles in March 2015, starting in a 0–1 friendly home loss to Uganda. He went on to represent his country on 35 occasions, scoring 16 goals.
Speaking on his decision, Ighalo told BBC: “You always dream of playing for Nigeria as a boy and luckily I managed to do it from the under 20s to the senior side.
“But you only need to take the time to reflect and tell yourself the truth, even though it was the hardest decision to make in my life as a footballer, I think it is the right one.
“I feel honoured to finish as top scorer in Egypt with the help of my teammates and coaching staff. Personally, it is also time for me to give way to the promising young players in the national team set up.
“I am extremely proud to have represented my country – and despite not reaching personal and collective ambition as a team – I have really enjoyed every moment.
“But you only need to take the time to reflect and tell yourself the truth, even though it was the hardest decision to make in my life as a footballer, I think it is the right one.
“I’m going to support the country as a fan now and hopefully return to help my club as soon as possible,” he added.
