Odion Ighalo Hints at NPFL Return – But Only If Conditions Are Right

Veteran Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has once again stirred the hearts of fans and football enthusiasts with a heartfelt declaration: he’s open to finishing his illustrious football journey in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) — but only under the right circumstances.

In a recent appearance on the Abu Azeez Podcast, the 35-year-old former Super Eagles forward, known for his powerful strikes and golden boot-winning exploits at AFCON 2019, revealed that he would love to play in Nigeria again. However, he emphasized that security, professionalism, and structure within the league must be guaranteed before such a homecoming becomes reality.

🗣️ “I’d love to, but…”

“There are so many things involved in it, you understand. Going from playing almost twenty years outside of Nigeria to coming back to your home town... If certain things are put in place, why not? I’d love to.”

⚽ A Legendary Journey

From his early days at Prime FC and Julius Berger, to lighting up stadiums across Norway, Italy, Spain, China, England, Saudi Arabia, and now Al Wehda in the Middle East — Ighalo’s name rings loud wherever football fans gather.

His career boasts an impressive 194 goals and 37 assists in 404 appearances, a testament to his enduring quality and consistency.

💬 Opinion: A Wake-Up Call to the NPFL?

Ighalo’s comments are more than personal reflections — they echo the thoughts of many Nigerian internationals who, despite their love for home, find it hard to commit to the NPFL due to ongoing challenges like security concerns, poor infrastructure, and lack of professionalism.

It’s a call to action for football administrators to build a league that doesn’t just nurture new talent but also welcomes back the stars it once exported.

Imagine the impact of having legends like Ighalo closing their careers in Nigeria — packed stadiums, massive viewership, mentorship for young players, and a renewed love for local football. That’s the dream, and it's not impossible.

Let’s fix the league and bring our heroes home.

#IghaloToNPFL #NPFLRevival #NigerianFootballLegends #BringBackTheStars #NaijaBallers