Odion Ighalo returns to China

Odion Ighalo celebrate 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 Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Feb 15, 2019. 17:00

Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has completed his return to the Chinese Super League (CSL).

The 29-year-old has linked up with former Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores at Shanghai Shenhua, having left Changun Yatai and the end of last season following their relegation to the second tier.

Ighalo scored 21 goals last season - ending the campaign as the league's second top scorer - but still couldn't help his side from avoiding the drop.

"It's important to sort my club future and I'm happy that it comes with a great opportunity to play under coach Quique again," Ighalo told BBC Sport.

"From the beginning he made it clear that he wanted me and I completely understand what that means.

"We've had some good times together and importantly it's good to continue in a league you've come to understand, so I am really excited," he concluded.