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 in Lagos, Nigeria on 16 June 1989. A physically imposing and technically capable striker, Ighalo is best known for his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to a career that took him to Manchester United. He developed through Watford and Udinese before joining Watford in 2012, where he was excellent and helped them win promotion to the Premier League. His 2015-16 Premier League season was outstanding, scoring 15 goals. He moved to Changchun Yatai in China, before Manchester United's dramatic late transfer window signing on Deadline Day 2020. He scored five goals in six games, including a hat-trick of assists — a fan favourite who always claimed United was his boyhood club. He later returned to Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab. For Nigeria he scored 16 goals in 35 caps and won the AFCON in 2013.
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