Zambia can’t kill my dream of playing at the World Cup, says Ighalo

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has said the Chipolopolo of Zambia “can’t kill” his dream of being at the World Cup next year in Russia.

The captain of Chinese side Changchun Yatai said he’s certain the Super Eagles will defeat Zambia on Saturday to qualify for the World Cup.

“I have not been to the FIFA World Cup before although I have been at the age grade level FIFA World Cup before now,” Ighalo told TheCable.

“That alone is a motivation for me and I am determined to go to the World Cup next year in Russia.

“So, I don’t think they will stop it. And playing at home again in Uyo with fans coming out to cheer us up, they can’t kill that dream.

“It’ll be great and a dream would have been achieved going to the World Cup. I don’t want to think about that now because it requires being fit and ready for it.

“For me? This game is a do or die thing. I have to give everything I have to make sure that Nigeria win on Saturday.

Ighalo told TheCable that the chest-thumping and mind games by the Zambian team will not in any way affect the Eagles’ concentration and determination.

“I have been hearing all sorts about thus game but at the end of it all by 5pm on Saturday, it’s going to be eleven against eleven on the pitch,” he said.

“I don’t care what they are saying, they can play their mind game but on Saturday? It’s eleven against eleven, then we will see how it goes.

“I believe the Zambians are just playing mind games. Maybe it’s been working for them but in Uyo It’s not going to work for them because we are determined.”