Super Eagles and Al-Shabab Striker Odion Ighalo says he was offered Victor Osimhen’s number nine jersey by top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials prior to his return to international duty for Nigeria.

The 32-year-old forward who quit international football in July 2019, made a sudden return to the Super Eagles in last month’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde.

TNSports reliably gathered that Ighalo’s return to the Super Eagles was the handy work of a top NFF officials, who see the former Watford forward following his goal-scoring form at Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia as the right choice to lead the Super Eagles attack.

Before his initial retirement, Ighalo don the number nine jersey, which is now worn by Osimhen. However, on his return to the team, he was offered his former number, which he duly rejected.

“A top NFF official told me I could have the number nine jersey back, and I told him no,” Ighalo told ESPN.

“I had left it. Osimhen is using it now and coming back, I’m going to play with any jersey number.”

“I told them to give me any jersey available. I can play with my bare skin for Nigeria, I’m a patriotic Nigerian. If it means me playing without a shirt in this team, I’m going to play. It’s not the shirt that scores the goals,” he said.

Ighalo also expressed his belief in Napoli star Osimhen, stating that he is the number one striker and will not take Osimhen’s place.

“Before I left the national team, I personally called Osimhen and said I’m leaving, this position is for you and if you work hard you’re going to rule Nigeria for a long time.”

I’m happy to see him doing well and I’m here to support him.”

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“And before I came back, I told the coach’ Osimhen is the number one striker, I will just support in whatever way you want me to support and I’m here to do that,” he added.

With the likely absence of Osimhen for the 2021 AFCON, which starts on January 9, Ighalo could become Nigeria’s top hitman again.