Ex-Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo, opened his goal-scoring account for English Premier League giants, Manchester United, on the night of Thursday, February 27, 2020, in their 2nd round of 32 Europa League clash against Belgian league side, Club Brugge. Ighalo netted the second goal for the Red Devils in their 5-0 thumping of the Belgians after latching in a square ball from Juan Mata in the 34th minute to make it 2-0 for United. After the game, Ighalo expressed delight after making history as the first Nigerian to score for Man United.
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It is a great feeling. I have waited for this all my life. I am a Man United fan and playing for Man United is my dream. Then scoring my first goal for Manchester United, this is something I will cherish all the days of my life. Today’s date is history for me. I played three games, although I didn’t play much, no goal. So little bit of pressure. But now I got a goal to start my Manchester United goal career, and with a team I have supported from when I was young so it is very good. I am very happy and I am grateful to God. It’s a big dream and realizing the dream makes it greater
– Odion Ighalo
The Nigerian during celebration dedicated the goal to his late sister who passed on December 12, 2019, by lifting his shirt to display a printed picture of her. Commenting on the celebration, the United striker noted that it was a way of honouring his late sister and fulfilling his promise of dedicating his goals to her after she passed on.
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I lost my sister on Dec. 12 and she was a real Manchester United fan. When I was playing for Watford, we prayed for this day for me to play for United. But now I am playing for United and she is not here to watch me, which is sad for me. So I promised her I would always take her with me everywhere I go. Every time I play a game donning the United shirt she would be with me. So I dedicated the goal to her so she would be happy wherever she is, and I am happy I fulfilled my promise to her.
– Ighalo
Source
Espn.co.uk
Featured Image Source: Espn.co.uk
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