Ighalo plans to leave China

Odion Ighalo challenged by Sand Masaud of Libya during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier football match between Nigeria and Libya at Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria on 13 October 2018 @Kabiru Abubakar/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Monday Dec 24, 2018. 17:00

Nigeria International Odion Ighalo is set to leave China after suffering relegation.

The 29-year-old has stated that he will use the coming weeks to assess his options after being relegated from the Chinese Super League (CSL) with Changchun Yatai.

Ighalo scored 21 goals in 28 games this past season, but it wasn't enough to save his side having missed the final match of the campaign - which proved a costly 2-0 defeat.

"Playing in the second division is not in my plans, so I need to weigh my options well," he told BBC Sport.

"There's the African Cup of Nations next year to think about and I need to keep playing at a highly competitive level.

He continued: "I don't know yet about my future. I cannot make a hasty decision so I'll use the next few weeks to decide.

"I have been getting direct calls from different agents and clubs, but now enjoying my Christmas break with the family and it is the job of my agent to speak to them."