PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Odion Ighalo – Will the injury cost him a place in the WC squad?

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Nov 07, 2017. 10:00

Nigeria and Changchun Yatai striker Odion Ighalo has expressed disappointment after pulling out of the Super Eagles camp due to a knee injury.

The China-based hitman was called up by coach Gernot Rohr for the encounters against Algeria and Argentina during the ongoing FIFA international break.

Rohr included the former Watford striker for the clash against the Desert Warriors in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Constantine on November 10.

On the other hand, he was set to make his contribution in the friendly clash against the Albiceleste in Russia four days later.

However, media reports in Nigeria reveal that the forward is in the United States, Atlanta, where he is enjoying his holiday.

The striker sustained the knee injury against Chongqing Lifan a week ago and will be out of action for 10-15 days.

Ighalo showed his class when he finished the just-concluded Chinese Super League season as Yatai's top scorer with 15 goals from 27 appearances.

“It is true I am out of the two games. I played the entire 90 minutes in our last home game despite sustaining a little knock earlier in the game,” Ighalo told Goal.

"I wanted to help my team and it was the reason I put the pain aside and concentrated on helping my team to win the game. It is so painful that I won’t be able to make it for two matches.”

Although it may be too early for Rohr to make up his mind regarding his final squad for the World Cup, the injury could be a setback for Ighalo as he will want to be in the final squad next year.