Odion Ighalo reveals classy message from Nwankwo Kanu

The signing of former Watford striker Odion Ighalo in the January transfer window came as a surprise to many.

The Nigerian has proven to be an astute capture as he has gone on to score four goals and one assist in eight appearances so far.

Speaking on the Periscope Live Chat with Juliet Bawuah (h/t Metro), Ighalo revealed that former Nigerian star Nwankwo Kanu gave him advice that he was able to make the most of at United.

“He said I’m going to surprise so many people that didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt of coming into that team.”

Kanu told Ighalo to believe in himself and keep working hard. He also asked the player to ignore his detractors and keep his eye on the task at hand, advice that Ighalo has done well to heed.

Playing for a club such as Manchester United comes with added pressure, a fact not lost on Ighalo. Apart from the pressure to win every game, United are also in the fray to win the Europa League, while pushing Chelsea for the top four.

The addition of Bruno Fernandes and Ighalo has added much-needed firepower to the United attack. With Marcus Rashford out injured, the Nigerian’s goals are a godsend.

Interestingly, this is the second time that the duo have teamed up. They played together in Italy in Fernandes’ debut season for Udinese.

Ighalo’s loan is due to expire at the end of May. Shanghai Shenhua is insisting that United have to pay around £15million to sign the player permanently.

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The signing of Ighalo has proven to be a masterstroke and has silenced a number of detractors. More so, he has been a positive influence who has aided our rise up the table.

Whether he signs permanently remains to be seen but regardless of what happens, he has proven that he can play alongside the best at the highest level. A United fan himself, he has shown that dreams can indeed come true.