Playing at the World Cup our motivation, not money –Ighalo

Odion Ighalo has insisted that Super Eagles’ motivation is not the financial bonuses they get when they play for the country, that their priority is to make it to the World Cup.

In the two-legged tie against Cameroon last month, the Eagles were promised $10,000 for any goal scored by the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.

For scoring five goals against the Indomitable Lions, the Nigeria squad got the sum of $50,000 as promised by the Mr. Emmanuel just few days ago.

The governor had made a similar pledge to the team in their match against Algeria last year, and redeemed it by doling out $30,000 after they won 3-1.

However, Ighalo insists that it was not about the money but the burning desire to play at the World Cup that brings the exitement of wearing the national colours.

“Most of us in the team have not gone to the World Cup, so there is no amount of money that can get me motivated,” said Ighalo.

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“Playing in the World Cup is my motivation because I have only been to the U20 World Cup.

“It will be a great honour for me to represent over 170 million Nigerians in Russia – [a tournament which has eluded] some great players.

“Against Zambia, I will do whatever it takes to win the game though a draw will be good for us.”

The Super Eagles will play against the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, with the hope of securing the group’s World Cup qualification ticket.

Ighalo, assured of a win, added: “We’ll go into this game with maximum concentration and focus because a game like this is dicey because we are playing against a young and good side.

“With the calibre of players we have, we are capable of beating any team and on Saturday, we are going to win by God’s grace.”

 

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