Ighalo’s hat-trick a perfect response to his critics, says Rohr

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles coach, says Odion Ighalo’s hat-trick against Libya is the perfect answer to his critics.

The Changchun Yatai striker had come under heavy criticism following his below-par performance at the World Cup.

But Rohr has continued to invite him for national team engagements.

Speaking with TheCable after the Super Eagles thrashed Libya 4-0, Rohr said: “Two days ago one of you (journalists) asked me why I keep calling Ighalo to the team, I think today he has given the answer.

“And it is wonderful to see him score these goals. The positives I take from this game is the team scoring four goals because it is not easy to do that.

“Secondly, it is the come back of Ighalo. I am very happy about it because he has been criticised in the social media which went beyond any human endurance limit.

“So, I am very happy that he has given them the answer on the pitch. He proved that he is a great player and confirmed the confidence I have in him.”

The 29-year-old is the first player to score three goals for the Super Eagles in 18 years.