Sports
Ighalo fired up for Zambia showdown, eyes World Cup appearance
Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo considers the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia a final and is ready to deliver on the pitch in order to play in Russia.
The Eagles, topping the qualifying group on 10 points, will face the Chipolopolo in a crucial encounter at the Godswill Akpabio international Stadium, Uyo on October 7.
Ighalo, who scored against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the same venue is one of the 23-man squad invited by Gernot Rohr to take on Southern African nation.
“I’m happy to be called up again because it’s always a great honour to play for my country,” Ighalo told BBC Sport.
Read Also: Mikel, Iwobi, Ighalo, 20 others called up for Zambia clash
“We know Zambia is a strong team and they will come with full determination in Uyo, we cannot engage in irrelevant pre-match talking but deliver on the pitch.
“I’ve never played at the World Cup and like my other colleagues, we all want to be in Russia, this is like a final for us.”
Nigeria are top of Group B with 10 points, three points ahead of Zambia in second with four games already played; which means a win for the home side will guarantee the Eagles place at the World Cup.
Nigeria first appeared at the World Cup in 1994, and also played at the 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 tournaments.
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