Odion Ighalo admitted he felt some pressure before he finally became the first Nigerian to play and score for Manchester United tonight.
The striker smashed home a cut-back by Juan Mata in the 34th minute to double United’s lead against Club Brugge in a UEFA Europa League Round of 32 second leg clash at Old Trafford.
United will go on to dump Club Brugge 5-0 to go through to the Round of 16 6-1 on aggregate.
Ighalo’s loan move to United had been widely questioned after critics maintained he did not have the quality to play for the mighty ‘Red Devils’.
However, tonight he began to prove his doubters wrong with a typical striker’s goal in his first start for the Premier League club.
“Yeah, it is a great moment,” said United boyhood fan Ighalo.
“I have been waiting for this, played three games, though I didn’t play much and no goals. A little bit of pressure, but now I got a goal to start my Manchester United goal career and it is a team I have supported since I was young, so it is very good, I am very happy and I am grateful to God.
“It is a big dream and realising the dream makes it even greater, so I thank God for this and I am very happy.”
And like he had promised, he dedicated the goal to his sister Mary who died in December.
