Sports

Ighalo laments missing Bafana clash

Published

6 years ago

November 10, 2018

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has expressed disappointment over missing the Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa on November 17 .
The former Watford striker, who has been replaced by Galatasaray forward Henry Onyekuru, is another major injury casualty for coach Gernot Rohr ’ s side after the loss of first – choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho , who has also been replaced by Enyimba goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai . Turkey – based midfielder Ogenyi Onazi is also out injured .

Ighalo , who was part of the 23 – man squad invited for the match by Rohr , copped a hamstring injury in Changchun Yatai ’ s 2 -2 home draw against Tianjin Quanjin on Wednesday , which has sidelined him for between four to five weeks .

A scan on Thursday morning showed that the injury had effectively ended his season with the Chinese Super League outfit .

Top – placed Nigeria visit second – placed Bafana Bafana in a crucial Group E match at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg as they seek to seal qualification for the continental showpiece after their absence at the last two editions in 2015 and 2017 .

The Eagles are on a revenge mission to Johannesburg having lost 2 – 0 in the first match of the qualifiers to the South Africans in Uyo last year . The Eagles only need a point from their next two games to reach next year ’ s finals in Cameroon , while Bafana Bafana need three to brighten their qualification chances .

Ighalo , who is the leading scorer in the AFCON qualifiers with six goals , told

KweséESPN that he was upset about missing next week ’ s crucial qualifier against South Africa . He said he had plans for the game , adding that he wanted to ensure that the team got a win in South Africa .

“ I was devastated and sad throughout the night because I have planned for and was waiting for this game . We were all very upset that we lost that first game and everybody wants to play the game to make amends , but God knows best , ” Ighalo told KweseESPN .

“ It is a very important game for us because we have missed two Nations Cups and we want this so bad . Also , we don’ t want to lose to them again. I can ’ t travel right now , unfortunately. But I believe in the boys and I know that they will do the job there . ”

Meanwhile , former Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso said it was unfortunate that Ighalo would not have the chance to add to his goal tally in the qualifiers , which would boost his confidence ahead of the tournament .

He said , “ It is painful when you lose your top scorer to injury ahead of an important match but as a coach , there are other options you can make use of to get the needed result . The Eagles are well -motivated than the South Africans . The Eagles know that they only need a point to qualify and also protect their pride against the South Africans – that is the motivation needed for them to win the game .

“ The team will not miss Ighalo much because there are other strikers in the team who want to stake a claim that they can do the job ; this is the opportunity they have been waiting for. It is all to the benefit of the team . ”