Odion Ighalo: I’m fit and ready for AFCON

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Jun 06, 2019. 10:14

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo insists that he is “ready and fully fit” ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Watford attacker, who top-scored in the qualifiers for the Nations Cup, suffered a worrying injury while featuring for Chinese club Shanghai Shenua last month, and he has missed their last four matches.

However, he told Nigerian media outlet The Punch that he is looking forward to linking up with the Super Eagles’ squad in Asaba this week and shrugged off any concerns over his readiness.

“I’m extremely happy to be back training and I can’t wait to rejoin my teammates in Asaba,” Ighalo explained.

“The Nations Cup is a big tournament and I’m ready and fully fit to take part in it.”

The striker added that Nigeria must work hard in their preparations, as the AFCON is a difficult tournament to win.

“There are no pushovers; we must work hard to record victories at the AFCON. It’s a tough group but we will go through.”

As part of Nigeria’s preparation for the competition, Gernot Rohr’s men will play Zimbabwe on Saturday at Stephen Keshi Stadium before they depart for Egypt on Sunday.

They will take on Senegal in their last preparatory game scheduled for the Ismailia Stadium on June 16, before their opening Group B game against Burundi on June 22 in Alexandria.