Table of Contents
Early Life and Childhood
Born on June 16, 1989, in Lagos State, Nigeria, Odion Ighalo is a talented and highly skilled Nigerian footballer. He was raised in a family that was passionate about football; his father played football at the local level, and his mother was a businesswoman.
Growing up, Ighalo attended Ajegunle High School and played football on the streets as a child. He was known for his exceptional talent, and his parents did everything they could to support his dream of becoming a professional football player.
Career Beginnings
Ighalo started his football career playing for the Nigerian club Prime FC. He quickly gained recognition for his skills as a striker and was soon signed by the Norwegian club Lyn.
In 2008, Ighalo joined Udinese, an Italian Serie A club, where he played for three seasons before moving to the Spanish club Granada on loan in 2011. In 2014, he signed with Watford, a club in the English Premier League.
During his time at Watford, Ighalo became a fan favorite, scoring numerous goals and helping the team secure its place in the Premier League. He was also named the club’s player of the season in 2015-2016.
After four seasons at Watford, Ighalo transferred to the Chinese club Changchun Yatai in 2017. He then joined Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in 2019.
Goals Records and Reputation
Throughout his career, Ighalo has scored many impressive goals, both for his club teams and the Nigerian national team. His most memorable goal came during the 2018 World Cup qualification match against Zambia, where he scored the only goal of the match that ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament.
Ighalo is known for his pace, physicality, and ability to finish with precision. He has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most talented footballers and has been named among Africa’s top 10 footballers.
Endorsements and Lifestyle
Ighalo has several endorsement deals, including a contract with sportswear giant Nike. He is also a brand ambassador for the Chinese tech company Infinix Mobile.
In his personal life, Ighalo is married to Sonia Ighalo, and they have three children together. He enjoys spending time with his family and is also passionate about music and fashion.
Net Worth and Assets
As of 2023, Ighalo’s net worth is estimated at $30 million. He owns several properties, including a house in Lekki, Lagos, and a mansion in the United Kingdom. Ighalo also owns a fleet of luxurious cars, including a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and a Range Rover.
In US dollar, Ighalo’s net worth is $30 million, while in Naira, it’s over 12 billion Naira. His net worth in Canadian dollars is estimated at 38.15 million CAD, while in Ghana cedi, it’s about 176,000,000 GHS. In Kenya, Ighalo’s net worth is estimated at 3,294,060,320 KSH, while in South Africa, it’s about 443,565,990 ZAR. His net worth in Uganda shillings is estimated at 110,456,660 UGX, and in Indian rupees, it’s about 2,240,420,000 INR.
Awards and Achievements
Ighalo has won several awards and nominations throughout his career. In 2015-16, he was named the Watford player of the season. He has also been named the Nigerian footballer of the year twice, in 2015 and 2019.
In 2018, Ighalo was the top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria secure the bronze medal. He has also been nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the Year award multiple times.
In conclusion, Odion Ighalo has had an impressive career in football, with numerous accomplishments and awards. He is a talented and skilled player who is highly respected in Nigeria and beyond.