WORLD CUP FOCUS: Odion Ighalo pumped up for FIFA break

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Mar 20, 2018. 10:00

As they prepare to face Poland and Serbia in their friendly internationals this week, Nigerian international striker Odion Ighalo is in high spirits.

The Super Eagles forward was on target for his Chinese Super League club Yatai Changchun as they bagged a point in their second draw against Beijing Renhe last weekend.

It was Ighalo’s first goal of the season where he continued with his impressive form as they secured their second point in the CSL division.

His goal at the Development Area Stadium came at the right time as the striker is included in the Nigerian squad for the two international friendlies against Poland and Serbia.

Following their 5-0 thrashing by Guangzhou Evergrande in their last game, Yatai were on the verge of suffering their second consecutive defeat before the Nigeria international came to their rescue.

However, he will be looking to bring his goalscoring touch when Gernot Rohr’s men trade tackles with Poland on March 23 and Serbia four days later.

The games are set to help Rohr measure their progress ahead of the highly anticipated 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.