- NFF mourns
Paul Ighalo, father of Watford striker, Odion, has died in Lagos on Monday.
The player tweeted the message “R.I.P Daddy” at 4:01am on Monday morning, a day after his side was knocked out of the English FA Cup semi final by Crystal Palace.
Despite his father’s death, the Super Eagles striker will remain in England till the end of the season in order to help his club retain its English Premier League status.
“A few days ago, he complained of weakness. He was taken to hospital for treatment. This morning, he died in his sleep,” Goal quoted Ighalo as saying to ESPN FC.
The Nigeria Football Federation has despatched a condolence message to the player, over the death of his father on Monday, the governing body stated in a press release.
Paul Ighalo reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, only two days after complaining of weakness, according to his son, Jude.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick on Monday put a call through to the Watford FC of England player to mourn with him and assure the player of the empathy of the NFF and the Nigeria football fraternity.
“I know that no amount of words can console you at this moment. But I want you to know that the NFF and the Nigeria football family are mourning with you at this period. It is always tough to lose a parent. But I want you to be strong at this period and be there for younger members of the family. That is very important,” Pinnick said.
Odion Ighalo told theff.com that his father complained of being weak only two days ago and was treated, but passed on some minutes after 2am on Monday.
He said: “I’m short of words at this moment. I can’t believe my dad is no more. I spoke to him on Saturday and he prayed for me. I never knew that would be the last time we would have a father-and-son conversation. I’m going to miss him a great deal because he has been the greatest motivator for me in my career.”