Russia 2018: Ighalo needs a support striker ―Aghahowa

Former Super Eagles’ striker, Julius Aghahowa has called on Nigerians to stop calling for the head Odion Jude Ighalo, positing that the Eagles’ handlers should be on the lookout for a perfect player to support him ahead of the World Cup.

Speaking with AOIFootball.com, the former Wigan Athletic striker shed more light on why Ighalo should be supported instead of being criticised.

“It’s obvious we are struggling because when you decide to play with a lone striker and the people behind him, like a supporting striker, they can’t deliver the right pass. Such a striker is bound to suffer upfront.

“During my time, I had great players like Kanu and Jay Jay Okocha who could see your run and deliver the passes where you want it that was why I was able to thrive as a lone striker. But right now, Ighalo is playing the top nine position but does not really have the kind of support I got.

“So, what we should be looking for right now is a player who has confidence and can fill in that role,” Aghahowa said.

Aghahowa further urged Arsenal star, Alex Iwobi to step up his game and take the role of a creative player behind the striker as he is currently the closest the country has for now.

“I believe Iwobi can play that role, but he has to learn to take responsibilities and gather every experience he can get. Ideye is also an experienced attacker that can play that role, I have seen him play as a support striker for Emenike in the past and their combination was a force at the 2013 Afcon. But Ighalo must also fight to get the balls for him to score,” Aghahowa concluded.