Odion Ighalo declares himself fit for today's match as Akwa Ibom businessman offers $20,000 per goal

SUPER Eagles targetman Odion Ighalo had declared himself fit to face Cameroon later today pointing out that he only suffered a slight hamstring strain during the first leg against the Indomitable Lions on Friday.

Scorer of the opening goal in the match, Ighalo was in sensational form on the night, troubling the Cameroonian defence non-stop with his hold up play and darting runs. However, the former Watford striker had to be replaced in the 60th minute, making way for Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho.

There had been fears that Ighalo would thus not be fit for tonight's match but the striker has dismissed such stories, saying he is ready to take to the field.

Ighalo scored the first goal for the Super Eagles in the first fixtures of the twin match that was played in Uyo on Friday. But, the 28- year old strong striker left the pitch in the 60th minute for Kelechi Iheanacho having endured several innocuous kicks from the Cameroonians.

Ighalo, who hobbled off with an ice pack after the barnstorming performance in Nigeria’s 4-0 destruction of Cameroon, has however assured that the injury is nothing serious. Ighalo said: “It was just a tight hamstring but I am fine now.”

Meanwhile, the striker may face a Fifa sanction for lifting his shirt to reveal a message after scoring the first goal. Displaying unsanctioned commercial, political, religious or personal slogans or statements on undershirts is outlawed by Fifa and subject to sanctions, mainly fines.

Referee Grisha is expected to include the incident in his report for further action by Fifa. However, Ighalo explained that the message on his shirt was about religion because it just said Thank you Jesus.

In a related development, businessman Aka Udofia has offered the Super Eagles $20,000 for each goal scored in today's match. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the young businessman from Akwa Ibom State made the promise as he briefly greeted players and officials inside the chartered Arik  aircraft just before take-off at the Ibom International Airport, Uyo on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Udofia said: “I am a good friend of the NFF president Amaju Pinnick and I am happy that I am here in time to see you guys before take-off for Yaounde. I watched the game against the Cameroonians here in Uyo on Friday and I am sure you have the ability to conquer them again in their own territory, so I promise to reward you with $20,000 for every goal scored in Yaounde.”