Odion Ighalo Nigerian footballer, striker Date of Birth: 16.06.1989 Country: Nigeria

1. Odion Ighalo: Nigerian Football Star
2. Lyn Career and European Success
3. Loan Stints and Breakthrough
4. Premier League Recognition
5. Transfer to China and International Career

Odion Ighalo: Nigerian Football Star

Odion Ighalo, a talented Nigerian footballer, began his career at Prime FC before transitioning to Julius Berger in 2006. His impressive performance with the latter, scoring 5 goals in 10 appearances, earned him a move to Norwegian club Lyn in 2007.

Lyn Career and European Success

Ighalo made his Lyn debut in a 2-3 defeat against Viking on September 16, 2007, scoring a goal in the process. Over the next 10 months, he played 20 matches and scored 9 goals, catching the attention of Italian club Udinese who acquired him for €1.9 million in June 2008. Ighalo made his Udinese debut in January 2009 and scored his first goal for the club against Cagliari in May of the same year.

Loan Stints and Breakthrough

Ighalo was loaned out to Granada in August 2009, where he emerged as the club's top scorer with 16 goals in 25 appearances. He continued his success on loan at Cesena in Serie A, making his debut in October 2010.

Premier League Recognition

In 2015, Ighalo joined Watford and quickly established himself as a potent forward. His goal-scoring prowess earned him recognition as the Premier League Player of the Month in December 2015. However, his form dipped the following season, leading to his departure from the club in January 2017.

Transfer to China and International Career

Ighalo was acquired by Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai for £20 million in January 2017. He has since played over 35 matches for the team in the domestic league. Ighalo has also represented Nigeria at various levels, including the under-20 squad and the senior national team. He made his debut for the senior team in 2015 and has scored 4 goals in 19 appearances. Ighalo played a significant role in Nigeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, contributing with crucial goals and helping the team reach the semi-finals.