Ferdinand doubts Ighalo’s ability to meet Man United’s expectations

By Adaku Onyenucheya

05 February 2020 | 4:17 am

Former Manchester United stalwart, Rio Ferdinand has expressed doubts on the ability of ex-Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo to meet the expectations of the Red Devils. Ferdinand is praying the 30-year-old will bring his best game to the club.

Picks Ndidi as favourite Nigerian player
Former Manchester United stalwart, Rio Ferdinand has expressed doubts on the ability of ex-Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo to meet the expectations of the Red Devils. Ferdinand is praying the 30-year-old will bring his best game to the club.

The football legend, who said he was concerned by Manchester United’s performance this season, noted that the Chinese League and the English League were miles apart in standard, adding, “International experience is one thing that he can bring.

“Ighalo has played in the English Premier League before, but one thing I am concerned about is that he is coming from China… they are trying to build a league there, but the standard is not up to the Premier League,” he said.

The international football legend, who is a Guinness global ambassador, Rio Ferdinand described Africans’ knowledge and enthusiasm for football as “crazy.”

Ferdinand, who spoke with The Guardian during the Guinness Night Football Pan African extravaganza tour in Lagos, said the passion for football in Africa has exceeded his expectations.

The former Manchester United player said he grew up in a place where there were many Africans, especially Nigerians and Ghanaians, who he said motivated and encouraged him to achieve success.

“Nigerians’ enthusiasm for football and games is fantastic and crazy. I grew up in a place where there were a lot of Africans, all my African friends would encourage me to go forward, mostly Nigeria and Ghanaians and since I have come to Nigeria, it has exceeded my expectations – the knowledge, enthusiasm, passion, it is crazy,” he said.

Ferdinand picked Wilfred Ndidi, who plays for Premier League club, Leicester City, as his best Nigerian player, saying his charisma and teamwork have helped the team so much.

“I like Ndidi because he is fantastic, he works for everyone, he is not selfish, he is my favourite Nigerian footballer and I really admire him,” Ferdinand said.

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Ferdinand doubts Ighalo’s ability to meet Man United’s expectations

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