AFCON Goal King Odion Ighalo has joined captain Mikel Obi to call time on his international career.
The 30-year-old former Watford striker announced on social media it was a difficult decision but it was time to focus on his club.
“It’s been an amazing 5 years journey, but after the due consultation and extensive discussion with my family, I have decided it’s time for me to retire from the national team,” he said.
“It’s been an eventful and most memorable opportunity to serve my country with pride, passion and contribute my quota to the development of our football.
“The memories would stay with me for a long time and I’m immensely grateful.
“It’s now time to concentrate on club football and give the younger players a chance to learn and grow.”
Ighalo paid a special tribute coach Gernot Rohr, who he said stood by him “against all odds” when he suffered a death threat following a below-par outing at last year’s World Cup in Russia.
Ighalo scored 16 goals for Nigeria in 35 appearances.
He was top scorer at the AFCON in Egypt with five goals to follow up on finishing as the leading marksman in the qualifying tournament with seven goals.
He also captained the country’s U20 team to the 2009 FIFA World Cup in Egypt.
