Odion Ighalo becomes first Nigerian to play for Manchester United

Retired Super Eagles striker Odion Jude Ighalo has made a move to Manchester United from Shanghai Shenhua on a 6-month loan deal.

The English football club made the move for the 30-year-old Nigerian striker on the deadline day of the transfer window, bringing him in as cover for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, in the absence of the injured Marcus Rashford, for the rest of the season.

I just connected to Wifi.

Welcome, Jude ?? pic.twitter.com/Gh0gWAQxBL

— WELCOME IGHALO (@thenanaaba) February 1, 2020

The move makes Odion Ighalo the first Nigerian, after the collapse of the John Mikel Obi’s deal, to play for the Red Devils. Ighalo was a boyhood fan of Manchester United FC, watching players such as Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. He will earn about $396,137 week after his 3m – 4m loan moves from the Chinese side. “Odion is an experienced player,” said the Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. He brings much speed, pace and goals to aside in much need of it with their topsy-turvy season so far.

Manchester United also confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: #MUFC can confirm that Odion Ighalo will join us on loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season. Welcome, Odion!“

The post was also retweeted by the ex-Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo.

Check out it below:

? #MUFC can confirm that Odion Ighalo will join us on loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.

Welcome, Odion! ?

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 1, 2020