FirstTouch

View Original

World Cup Rush: Nigeria’s Ighalo picking up form and Elneny injury scare

One of the Super Eagles’ likely striking options at this years’ FIFA World Cup finals in Russia seems to be picking up form just the moment they desperately need him to. Gernot Rohr’s men were criticised for not being decisive or picking out the right passes in the final third over the international break when they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Serbia. The Chinese Super League based, Odion Ighalo stepped up in a huge way over the weekend, scoring four times in Changchun Yatai’s 5-2 win away at Guizhou Hengfeng. He has now found the back of the net, five times in seven matches.

"I have not been lucky in front of goal but today God gave me all the ones that haven't been entering since the start of the season at once." - Odion Ighalo

Meanwhile, Egypt got an injury scare ahead of the world cup finals after Arsenal midfielder, Mohamed Elneny had to be stretchered off their match at home to West Ham United. The North London club has confirmed that Elneny suffered an ankle ligament injury and are hopeful that he would return to action before the season expires.

"We are hoping that Mo will available for Arsenal again this season and we are keeping in regular contact with the Egyptian Football Association."  - Arsenal FC

The 25-year-old midfielder has recently become a favorite in the Arsenal defensive department of the midfield in Arsene Wenger’s last days at the club. He also possesses the ability to charge forward and pick out the right passes or even threaten the goal. He is expected to link up nicely with the PFA Player of the year, Mo Salah, in Russia, for the Egyptian Pharaohs.