Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has credited Argentine football scout, Marcelo Houseman, with playing a key role in launching his professional football career.
Ighalo explained that Houseman discovered him and fellow Nigerian footballer Kim Ojo and created opportunities that exposed them to European football.
“Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players,” he said.
According to Ighalo, Houseman’s support went beyond talent identification, as he invested his time, resources and personal commitment in developing young players.
“Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman stood by both of us. He believed we deserved equal opportunities and rejected offers he considered inadequate,” he said.
The former Nigeria international said Houseman subsequently took them on a two-month tour of European clubs, including Sporting Lisbon of Portugal and RCD Espanyol of Spain.
“Although those moves did not materialise, Houseman never gave up. He introduced us to another trusted agent who arranged trials in Oslo, Norway,” he said.
Ighalo said Houseman also provided financial assistance that supported both players and their families during difficult periods.
“He gave us money that helped our families greatly. I passed the trials in Norway, signed a pre-contract, and the rest became a 19-year professional career,” he said.
He described Houseman as a mentor whose vision and sacrifices contributed significantly to the development of many African footballers.
“Without Houseman, my football story could have been different.
“He saw potential in me before many others did and opened doors that changed my life,” Ighalo said.
Ighalo began his professional career with Nigerian clubs Prime FC and Julius Berger before joining Norwegian side Lyn in 2007.
He moved to Italian club Udinese in 2008 and enjoyed successful loan spells with Spanish side Granada, where he established himself in European football.
In 2014, he signed for Watford and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the English Premier League.
Ighalo later featured for Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua in China before joining Manchester United on loan in 2020.
He made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 and represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The striker emerged as the top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria secure a third-place finish.
Ighalo currently plays for Al Wehda FC in Saudi Arabia, bringing to bear experience gained from successful spells across Europe, Asia and international football.