The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed that he had appealed to Odion Ighalo to reconsider his decision to quit the national team.

Ighalo quit the Super Eagles two years ago, after leading the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, emerging as tournament top scorer with five goals.

Pinnick stated this via Instagram on Monday, October 25, when he visited England-based Super Eagles players.

“I had a long conversation with Odion Ighalo, personally I believe we need experience in our attack to combine with our energetically youthful (Victor) Osimhen, (Paul) Onuachu, Kelechi (Iheanacho) et al.

Odion’s (Ighalo) body language is very positive. We are also in touch with his agents and club,” Pinnick wrote on Instagram.

However, Amaju Pinnick statement on Instagram has elicited criticism from several Nigerians, those who commented on Pinnick’s post, questioned the NFF boss’ decision to bring back Ighalo to the team.

“I think you started very well until your mention of Odion Ighalo. Odion is on retirement, let’s focus on Osimhen, (Taiwo) Awoniyi, and Onuachu who are going a great job at the club and national level,” @fidelenny wrote.

@chidon2901 added, “I feel really disgusted hearing about Ighalo, damn, Osimhen is world rave of the moment, Ighalo has paid his dues, actually, the team needs a creative midfielder and a winger who can score and assist, so he should be talking of Victor Moses coming and also tell Rohr to get a creative midfielder, not striker at all, Osimhen is Afcon qualifier top scorer.”

According to @mr_tee_, the team should also try and bring back former captains Jay jay Okocha and Mikel Obi since Pinnick said the Eagles needed experience.

According to @mr_tee_, the team should also try and bring back former captains Jay jay Okocha and Mikel Obi since Pinnick said the Eagles needed experience.

“Was about to applaud your write-up until Ighalo was mentioned, you should also speak to Okocha and Mikel, their creativity and experience are needed in the midfield,” he posted.