President of the NFF Amaju Pinnick has hinted that Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia forward Odion Ighalo may stage a return to the Super Eagles as they approach the crucial stage of the World Cup qualifiers, reports OwnGoalNigeria,com
Ighalo announced his retirement from international football after finishing as top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria emerged as second runners up by beating Tunisia in the third place match.
Despite the presence of a host of young forwards who are doing well like Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Taiwo Awoniyi and Sadiq Umar, Pinnick said the talks over the return of Ighalo to the team is needed as his experience could be decisive in the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
“I had a long conversation with Ighalo, personally I believe we need experience in our attack to combine with the energetically youthful Osimhen, Onuachu, Kelechi et al. Ighalo body language is very positive. We are also in touch with his agent and club,” Pinnick reportedly said.
In a related development, Pinnick also claimed recuperating Wilfred Ndidi will be fit for the Super Eagles’ final round of World Cup Qualifiers games against Liberia and Cape Verde respectively,
Ndidi has been out injured since the start of the month, missing the Super Eagles back to back games against Central Africa Republic (CAR) and he was also expected to miss the remaining games of the qualifiers.
He was expected to return back to training after the international break but according to Pinnick he will resume training next week and hopefully play against Arsenal in their next game as he is well ahead of schedule on his return from injury.
Pinnick made this known in a post on his social media account after a visit to the midfielder where he also met with his Leicester City teammate Kelechi Iheanacho.
“I spent quality time with Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho in Leicester over the weekend. I went with my wife and three of my kids who are on half term break. Our visit was a mere family visit and not official, ” he posted.
“Recall Wilfred is recuperating from an injury that has kept him out for about five weeks, being a very key player for the Super Eagles we cannot afford to toy with our last two games. Ndidi has been integral, committed and passionate player of the Super Eagles.
“The good news is that his second scan came out very good and he has started training with his club and possibly play in their next game”.
The Nation
How much is Mike Tyson, Jake Paul getting paid for the fight?
Jake Paul, a former child star and social media influencer who began his professional boxing career in 2020, on Saturday secured a victory against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a boxing bout.
The fight was livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, and Paul won by unanimous decision.
While the outcome surprised some, the financial stakes were just as intense as the match itself, with both fighters set to earn huge sums for their efforts.
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is 58 years old and has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
READ ALSO:
While this figure is modest compared to the hundreds of millions Tyson earned during his career, including $400 million in fight purses according to Forbes, he’s also made a remarkable comeback after declaring bankruptcy in 2013 at age 37.
Although promoters did not disclose Tyson’s exact earnings from the fight, reports from sources like DraftKings Network estimate he will earn around $20 million.
This figure is comparable to the amount Tyson earned for his 1988 match against Michael Spinks, which had a record purse at the time (worth approximately $53 million today when adjusted for inflation). That fight ended in just 91 seconds, with Tyson knocking out the previously undefeated Spinks.
Jake Paul, 27, is expected to earn approximately $40 million, according to estimates from DraftKings Network and other sources. This is double the amount Tyson is projected to make. One reason for this disparity may be Paul’s status as a top social media influencer, with 27 million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company promoting the fight in partnership with Netflix.
Paul’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
I don’t think so – Mike Tyson on boxing retirement after loss to Paul
After his defeat to Jake Paul, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson indicated that he has no immediate plans to retire
This is just as he had praises for Paul who he stood toe-to-toe with till the final round and ultimately lost to by a unanimous decision.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well prepared,” Mike Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.”
Asked on a knee brace that he wore for the fight, Tyson said: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Asked if this was the end for Tyson in the ring, he concluded: “I don’t think so.”
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
READ ALSO:
Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
READ ALSO:
Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
BREAKING: Super Eagles qualify for AFCON 2025
Disaster averted as bird strike hits Abuja-Lagos Air Peace flight
South-West NURTW: Why we chose Oluomo over Baruwa
Court orders varsity to pay lecturer N40m compensation for wrongful dismissal
Apomu king turns warmonger for PDP
Ondo poll: Three gov candidates withdraw for Aiyedatiwa
Edo Gov Okpebholo freezes govt accounts, reverses ministry’s name
Late COAS Lagbaja gets CFR honour, buried amid tributes
