By Our Correspondent

Former Super Eagles striker, Idion Ighalo has disclosed he could still return to the national team to play Africa cup of Nations and World Cup again

The Manchester United forward, said in recent chat that he’s open to the idea of representing Nigeria at another Africa Cup of Nations or World Cup if the opportunity arises.

On loan to Manchester United from Chinese side, Shanghai Shenhua in a deal which will expire at the end of this January after the initial six months loan was extended, Ighalo retired from international football after the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where he finished as top scorer and helped Nigeria to win bronze.

Although his extended loan deal at Manchester United was not as rosy as the initial deal, with his exit set to happen in less than two weeks, Ighalo, who says he will love to try out in the MLS, opened the door to represent Nigeria again.

He said he will return to the national team as it is his dream to play at another Africa Cup of Nations or World Cup or maybe both if he’s offered the opportunity but hinted that it’s not in the immediate.

“I have good relationship with Gernot Rohr and at a time he wanted me to return to the team because he finds it difficult to seeing me play for Manchester United and not playing again for the Super Eagles.

“Although I retired from the team very early due to injury before the AFCON for eight weeks and unfortunately, I left the tournament with another injury and considering the travels from China wasn’t good for me and have to look at other options of giving the younger ones a chance.

“I miss everyone in the team and if the need arises, I will want to play at another World Cup finals or the African Cup of Nations, if not both tournaments but for now I will want the young lads to enjoy themselves,” he said in a television interview with ESPN.

Odion Ighalo has offers from the Premier League to mull over as he approaches the end of a loan spell at Manchester United, claim representatives of the Nigerian striker.

The 31-year-old initially linked up with the Red Devils in January 2020, with the former Watford frontman returning to English football from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

That agreement was extended through to 2021 after a bright start was made to life at Old Trafford, but Ighalo has slipped down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He is now preparing to take on a new challenge, with an admission made that a fresh start in MLS would appeal.

Approaches have been made from across the world, but it could be that an experienced performer opts to remain in his current surroundings by linking up with a domestic rival of United.

One of Ighalo’s representatives has told BBC Sport: “I can confirm that some Premier League clubs, two teams outside of England and some clubs in the Middle East have made formal enquiries.

“Of course, he said in an interview that the MLS could be interesting, but that is just an option outside of the strong interest received so far.

“For now, he’s still a Man United player on loan from China where he still has a contract. He could stay in England where his family is based or try something new because he has many options to mull over.”