This is the right time for me to leave: Odion Ighalo on why he quit the Super Eagles

By  Ilekhuoba Taiye - Former Super Eagles and Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo has disclosed the motive behind his retirement from the Super Eagles in 2019.

According to the 30-year-old, he had to centralize his attention more on his club career and the prolonged travels from Asia for international duty caused a heavy fatigue on him. The Shanghai Shenhua-owned forward further conceded to the fact that he had to step down for rising stars like Osimhen, Chukwueze and other youngsters to establish themselves more in the Super Eagles set up.

"I got injured in the third place game with Tunisia, in the first half I pulled my hamstring, I have been having problems on that hamstring even before the tournament."

"I needed to stop because it is too long from China to Nigeria for national team duties, I am not getting young again and we have a lot of young exciting players coming up, Victor Osimhen doing so well, Iwobi and Chukwueze are there."

"I thought about it, this is the right time for me to leave." Ighalo told Ghanaian journalist Nana Aba Anamoah via Instagram Live.

He avowed that his decision was a cumbersome one because of the fondness in him when playing for Nigeria.

"It was a difficult decision because I love playing for my country, it’s a country that gave me everything I have today so anytime I am being called upon to play for my country it is a joy to play.

"That decision was difficult but I have to do it for my health for me to play longer in my club career, then I have to stop traveling very far," He added.

The 2019 AFCON Golden Boot Winner hanged his international boots immediately after the perennial tournament also emerged as the top goal scorers in the qualifiers.

Odion Ighalo became the first Nigerian to play for Manchester United when the U.K. giants made a shocking loan move for the former Watford star. So far, the Nigerian has 4 goals and 1 assist to his name in 8 games.