Odion Ighalo: manager says he can play for Nigeria in Rio

His manager, Quique Sanchez Flores gave the greenlight in an interview published by Mail Online.

He said he will not block Odion Ighalo’s way if he decides to represent Nigeria at this summer’s Olympic Games.

Reports have suggested that Nigeria want Ighalo to be part of their squad for the tournament in Rio, and Flores has insisted he will let the 26-year-old go if he wants to despite the fact that it could disrupt his pre-season preparations.

The Hornets boss told a press conference: ‘It depends on the players also. Some players want to go to the Olympic games, other players prefer to rest. ‘It depends, but finally if the decision of the player is that he wants to go, I am happy.’

Former Udinese frontman Ighalo has enjoyed a superb first season in the Barclays Premier League, where he has scored 14 goals as well as one in the FA Cup, and his contribution to his club’s efforts to retain its top-flight status has not gone unnoticed.

Indeed, he has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal, something which has come as no surprise to his manager. Flores said: ‘Speculation about Ighalo is very normal. He has been one of the best strikers of the season, so it’s very normal.’