Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has said he owes his career success to renowned football scout, Marcelo Houseman, who discovered him in his (Ighalo’s) early days.
According to the former Watford FC of England striker, Houseman discovered him and fellow Nigerian player, Kim Ojo, before creating opportunities that exposed them to European football.
The former Udinese of Italy and Granada of Spain pointman said the Argentine’s commitment goes beyond scouting, as he invested his time, resources and personal support in nurturing young talents.
“Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players.
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“Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman stood by both of us. He believed we deserved equal opportunities and rejected offers he considered inadequate,” Ighalo said.
He added that Houseman later took them on a two-month tour of European clubs including Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and RCD Espanyol in Spain.
Ighalo, who featured for Nigerian clubs, Prime FC and Julius Berger, said Houseman also provided financial support that assisted both players and their families during difficult periods, describing the Argentine as a mentor whose vision and sacrifices helped shape the careers of many African footballers.
“Although those moves did not materialise, Houseman never gave up. He introduced us to another trusted agent who arranged trials in Oslo, Norway. He gave us money that helped our families greatly.
“I passed the trials in Norway, signed a pre-contract, and the rest became a 19-year professional career. Without Houseman, my football story could have been different.
“He saw potential in me before many others did and opened doors that changed my life,” Ighalo, who currently plays for Al Wehda in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
