Odion Ighalo does not fear for his life!

Oghenekaro Etebo, Odion Ighalo, Leon Balogun and Francis Uzoho stand dejected after conceding the opening goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Croatia and Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia.

(June 15, 2018 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

There are so many things that soccer players go through outside the pitch that the fans seldom pay little attention to. Some players go through emotional torture because of the abuse that comes from the fans when they are not performing well, and some are forced to fear for their lives. This is the story of a certain Nigerian who is one of the many players that have been threatened by their own fans in the midst of a bad performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Former Watford centre forward, Odion Ighalo was one of the first names on the Nigerian team sheet at the recent FIFA World Cup hosted in the cold land of the Russians. He played in Nigeria’s first match in the tournament against Croatia where his nation fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the eventual finalists. He tried his best in front of goal but to no avail and was eventually demoted to the bench in the following match against Iceland. All his efforts in the tournament have gone down the drain in the memories of the radical fans who feel that his only contribution was to huff and puff goal-scoring opportunities. Ighalo has since received death threats from numerous people on his social media accounts which is unacceptable. The player goes to lengths to score a number of goals for his country only to be paid back by insults when he is out of form.

“It was painful but not enough to make me quit the country.”

— Odion Ighalo, Nigeria & Changchun Yatai

Odion Ighalo of Nigeria and John Stones of England in action during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England.

(June 1, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

This is not the first time that a player or coach received death threats because of unfortunate circumstances. Former Chelsea and Italy national team coach, Antonio Conte fell prey to similar attacks from Juventus fans who blamed him for the injury of Claudio Marchisio in August 2014. Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio revealed that Conte received death threats on the internet. Soccer fans are entitled to their opinions and reactions after bad performances but there is a line ought to be drawn in terms of expression.

Death threats have a toll on a player’s mindset whenever they play as they feel unsafe, even in their own country. Ighalo talked to BBC Sport after revealing that not only him but his family too received such threats.

After all, we need to remember that soccer is a sport made possible by these players who represent our clubs and national teams. The players are human beings and have emotions which need to be protected like any other. No one deserves to feel unsafe especially after working their socks off for the love of the game only to be attacked by the very same people they sacrifice a lot for.

Denounce these actions and save the lives and careers of our players. We are with you Ighalo!

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria prey on group leaders Libya

Alex Iwobi of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England.

(June 1, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Things will get heated in the men’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over the next couple of days. We are spoiled with two legged fixtures (matchday 3 and 4) for all the participants with the first leg coming to our screens as early as Wednesday, 10th of October and the final matches of the second legs finishing one week later. This means that a crucial six points is up for grabs for all teams and also at risk of slipping away. Let’s look at some of the leading narratives leading into the much anticipated fixtures. No better place to start than in the West, where the 2018 FIFA World Cup participant seeks to take control of group E.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria had a rough start to their qualifying campaign as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to South Africa at home. Consequently, they find themselves heading into the Libya tie on third place with just 3 points bagged after humiliating lowly ranked Seychelles to a 3-0 thrashing in Victoria on matchday two. Only two teams will secure qualification for the 24-team finals scheduled to be held in Cameroon 2019  and Gernot Rohr’s men will be looking to get two over table topping Libya. The first match will be on Friday in Kaduna City, Nigeria and the return following just two days later on Monday.

At least one victory for the West Africans is fancied by neutrals as the 2012 AFCON champions are looking more fortified with the likes of high flying English Premier League based, Isaac Success returning to the squad and 22-year-old Alex Iwobi who has been one of Arsenal’s marvels under Unai Emery. The “governor” Ahmed Musa who has scored 3 goals in 3 appearances for Saudi Arabian side, Al Nassr will most likely captain the side in the absence of veteran John Obi Mikel who has been “excused” after picking up an injury in the Chinese Super League. Notable players also include young forward, Henry Onyekuru and world cup midfield specialist, Etebo who plays for Stoke City in the English Championship. Things are not looking well for Libya who have had their head coach, Adel Amrouche resigning over claims of unpaid wages and unhappiness amongst players over his methods, perhaps tipping the odds even more in favor of the Super Eagles. But as proven on matchday 2, odds really mean nothing in an AFCON qualifier.

Here is Nigeria’s full squad for the Libya clash:

Kevin Akpoguma (L) of Germany battles with Success Isaac (R) of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Round of 16 match between Germany and Nigeria at Christchurch Stadium on June 11, 2015 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 10, 2015 - Source: Martin Hunter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Elche FC/Spain), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba, Nigeria), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United/South Africa)

Defenders: Ola Aina (Torino FC/Italy), Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC/Turkey), Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United/England), Brian Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow/Russia), Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto/Portugal), William Ekong (Udinese FC/Italy), Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion/England), Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes/Spain), Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07/Germany)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC/Turkey), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City/England), Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC/England), John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr FC/Saudi Arabia), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City/England), Moses Simon (Levante FC/Spain), Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK/Turkey), Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai/China), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/England), Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux/France), Isaac Success (Watford/England)