Martins, Sanchez convinced me to join Shanghai Shenshua – Ighalo

Super Eagles forward Odion Jude Ighalo has thanked former Nigerian international Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins on the advice he gave which led him to signing for Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenshua.

Martins played for Shanghai Shenshua between 2016 – 2018 and had a total of 40 appearances for the team scoring 19 goals in the process in a spell that was plagued with incessant injuries. The former Nigerian international met with the Super Eagles forward just before the announcement of the deal.

Ighalo who moved to China after a successful spell with Watford FC in England was the second highest goal scorer in the Chinese Super league in the 2017/2018 season where he scored a total of 21 goals. Despite the goals the Super Eagles forward could not help his team Chanchung Yatai escape relegation at the end of the season.

Ighalo scored a total of 36 goals in 55 appearances for the club he joined for £20 million on 2017.

Ighalo’s decision to remain in China and join Shanghai Shenshua was fuelled by Martins who visited the Super Eagles star in his residence. After the visit Ighalo thanked the former Inter Milan forward for the timely advice he said; “Thank you senior man for the advice, you are a king.”

The striker will rekindle his friendship with former Watford FC coach Quique Flores Sanchez who he play under in England. Flores joined Shanghai Shenshua on the 28th of December.

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