Who would have thought that Odion Ighalo would become one of the hottest and most wanted strikers in England?
It is definitely a remarkable year for the Nigerian in the Barclays Premier League.
The Watford marksman has been phenomenal – moving from an ordinary ‘loan material’ to one of the most feared strikers in the league.
On Saturday against Liverpool at Vicarage Road, the 26-year-old scored twice as the Hornets strolled to a 3-0 win.
His double took his season’s tally to 12 and ensured he continued his superb run of form that has seen him smash several records.
Even Ighalo is still amazed at the way and manner he had adjusted to life in English elite division.
He shared his thoughts with The Guardian about the Premier League:
“After the Championship I did believe I’d score goals in the Premier League – but not the way it is going now because I know the Premier League is more difficult,” he confessed.
“But I put in a lot of hard work during pre-season and maybe God said it’s my time.”
The player, who signed for Udinese in 2008 from Norwegian side Lyn, endured several miserable loan spells at Cesena, Watford and twice at Granada.
He was tipped for greatness following his five-year deal with the Italian side, but could only manage a single goal in six appearances.
After joining Watford in the championship in July 2014, his contract was terminated with Udinese, meaning he could make a permanent switch to the English side.
At this point last season, the Super Eagles star has found the back of the net only thrice in 18 games and was used sparingly.
But his breakthrough started in the new year. In January alone, he notched seven goals in five games including four against Blackpool.
He went on to score seven more – 20 for the season and a further dozen in the Premier League thus far.
What this means is that the former Julius Berger man has scored 28 goals this calendar year, making him the top scorer in all English top tier leagues ahead of Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
This was same player on the verge of a summer exit to China
His goal return in the league is only bettered by Leicester duo, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez as well as Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.
And apart from being the first Hornet to hit double figures in the EPL, his club has never lost each time he scores.
“He is very clever, he chose five months ago the option to come here because he imagined something special for him,” Watford coach, Quique Sanchez Flores, told the Telegraph.
“He knows the best option for him. I hope and believe he will finish the season with Watford.”
But Ighalo isn’t carried away by his sudden rise to fame.
He is a rarity among modern footballers, being both deeply religious and motivated by ambition rather than money.
“I thank God for the great year and successful season I’m having but I’m still the same me,” Ighalo insists.
“It’s just the goals that have changed. My life, my training, my work, is still the same and I just want to keep going and giving my best for Watford.”
Ighalo’s goals have catapulted Watford to seventh on the log and are unbeaten in their last four games with the Nigerian scoring in all.
They face London neighbours and defending champions, Chelsea, on Boxing Day.
