BY AYOMIDE JAYEOBA
Despite the transfer of Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo to Chinese side Changchun Yatai, Nigeria’s manager, Gernot Rohr has declared that the striker is still in his plans.
Rohr, who worked as pundit at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in Gabon is known to be very strict with players when it comes to national team assignment, preferring them to play in European league.
However, he said he understood Ighalo’s dilemma and had assured him of a place in the team by openly declaring that the striker still remains an integral part of his plans.
“He wasn’t getting games at Watford, in China he will play and be match fit aside the chance to earn more for himself and his family. We understand his dilemma, so he is very much in our plans,” Rohr told newsmen in Gabon.
Ighalo, 27, who was pursued by Chinese Super League clubs in the past three transfer windows but consistently rejected moves away from the Premier League on transfer deadline day finally sealed a move worth around N12bn to China after completing his medicals.
He hit 15 goals in his first season in the Premier League last year and, in tandem with strike partner Troy Deeney, was a key figure in Watford avoiding relegation.
