Ighalo credits mother’s sacrifice as driving force behind football success
In an intimate conversation with Omasports, Nigerian football icon Odion Ighalo shared the touching story of the incredible role his mother played in his journey from humble beginnings in Ajegunle to worldwide fame on the field.
Ighalo began his career at Julius Berger in Nigeria before moving out to Norway to join Lyn FK in August 2007. His career to date comprise successful spells notably in Watford and Manchester United.
“My mother is everything to me, after God,” Ighalo, who currently plays for Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, expressed, reflecting on the profound impact of his upbringing. “You know my dad is no longer alive. He died in 2016, but he had the opportunity to see a bit of my success. It’s only my mom left, that’s why I am giving her all the love. If not for God and my mom, none of this would have been possible.”
Ighalo’s family faced financial struggles while growing up in Ajegunle, a bustling yet impoverished neighborhood of Lagos, Nigeria. Despite their hardships, his mother worked tirelessly to nurture his love for football, ensuring he had everything he needed to succeed.
“We used to pay money for training deals. You buy your water, you buy your own football shoes. And she did all that for me,” he reminisced. “She would travel with me from Ajegunle to Badagry to look for a certain kind of boot.”
His mother used the little money she made selling ice water and minerals to support Ighalo’s dreams, and that selflessness was crucial in overcoming the challenges they faced.
“She was selling ice water and some minerals, and with the little gain she made, she used it to buy those things for me,” he revealed.
Ighalo’s path to success was not without its challenges. Recounting a pivotal moment in his career, the 34-year-old shared, “I remember before I was picked, we were supposed to go to Abeokuta to play a game. I cried that night for her to give me money because we were supposed to go play Julius Berger in a friendly game.”
“The next morning, she gave me the money to travel. Some players did not go on that trip because they didn’t have the opportunity to, because no money.
“And it was during that trip that I was picked to start training with Julius Berger before I started my career with Julius Berger. So she deserves everything.”
His career took off after that fateful trip, as he was recruited by Julius Berger, the team he played against. Ighalo’s mother remained a guiding force in his life, and he attributes his success to her love and support.
“She’s 78 years old. How long does she have left? So she has to enjoy everything she’s labored for, and there’s nothing I am going to give this woman that is going to be enough.
“You can’t pay her back. I can’t. So I am just going to put a smile on her face. Seeing her smile every day gives me joy and happiness.”
