Currently the second highest scorer in the Premier League with 14 goals, Ighalo has been one of the sensations of the year with both his goals and all round play. In recognition of his sterling performances, award organisers, New African Soccer magazine voted Ighalo player of the month, saying he was so overwhelming that there was very little need for a shortlist to be announced.
Award director Tunde Adelakun said: "Ighalo spent December scoring goals for his team. He scored in all six games played in a packed December schedule of fixtures, including games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, which is a very remarkable feat."
According to Mr Adelakun , in the short lifespan of the New African Soccer Awards, Ighalo becomes the first player who has won the monthly award twice in a season. In October, Ighalo was also voted the African player of the month.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has heaped praise on Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi for his yeoman's performance yesterday. Mikel was world class in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park yesterday, bossing the middle of the park where he completed as record 78 out of 82 passes.
Hiddink said: “John Obi is the ideal player to bring balance back to the team. John Obi can recover the ball and he reads the game very well and is a player who can defend so smoothly, for me, is beautiful to see.”
Restored to the starting line-up by Hiddink since he took over from former manager Jose Mourinho, Mikel appears to be a key component of the new coach's plans. He has featured in every match so far under the new manager and has become the darling of the fans, who were chanting his name throughout yesterday's game.
Chelsea fans chant Mikel's name all game long: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1bU0jYR47g&;feature=youtu.be
Comments
Post a Comment