Nigerian · Lagos, Nigeria · Born 16 June 1989Powerful Nigerian striker who scored 40 Premier League goals and became one of the most unexpected signings in Manchester United's history.
Odion Jude Ighalo was born on 16 June 1989 in Ajegunle, a densely populated district of Lagos, Nigeria, and began his career with local clubs Prime and Julius Berger before moving to Norway's Lyn Fotball in 2007. Udinese signed him the following year, though he spent much of his time in Italy out on loan, including two spells at Spain's Granada, where his physical, direct style of centre-forward play began to flourish. Ighalo joined Watford in 2014, and his goals were instrumental in the club's promotion to the Premier League that season, before he continued his prolific form in the top flight. He later moved to China, playing for Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua, becoming one of the best-paid players in the Chinese Super League. In January 2020, Ighalo completed one of the most unlikely transfers in recent Premier League history, joining Manchester United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua — a boyhood United supporter fulfilling a lifelong dream. He went on to play in Saudi Arabia for Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal, and Al-Wehda, extending his career into his mid-thirties. Ighalo earned dozens of caps for Nigeria, representing his country at the 2018 World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and has spoken publicly about using education to combat racism, becoming a respected voice on the issue within football.
Top scorer at AFCON 2019 with 5 goals
As a self-declared lifelong Manchester United fan, his shock Deadline Day 2020 signing was a dream-come-true story — and he repaid the faith with five goals in six games before the season's suspension.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with strong aerial ability and pace
Lasting Impact
Ighalo inspired a generation of Nigerian footballers by showing that players from the domestic league could succeed in top European competitions.
Career Honours
- AFCON 2013 (Nigeria)
- Premier League promotion 2015 (Watford)
- AFCON Bronze Medal 2019
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udinese | 2010–2014 | — | 37 | 12 | #10 |
| Granada | 2012–2014 | — | 120 | 15 | #10 |
| Watford | 2014–2017 | — | 100 | 12 | #10 |
| Al Shabab | 2021–2023 | — | 85 | 10 | #10 |
| Prime | 2008–2009 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Julius Berger | 2007–2008 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Manchester United | 2020–2020 | loan | 23 | 5 | — |
| Shanghai Shenhua | 2017–2020 | — | 19 | 10 | — |
| Changchun Yatai | 2016–2017 | — | 21 | 21 | — |
 Nigeria | — | — | 35 | 16 | — |
Nigerian Athletes