Ighalo leads in AFCON golden boot race

Super Eagles’ Striker, Odion Ighalo is the man to beat to the top scorer’s award as the African Cup of Nations enters its final round, reports soccernet.ng.

The Super Eagles are billed to meet Tunisia in the third place match today, a game that should afford the forward the chance to claim the golden boot award.

The former Watford striker has already registered four goals in the tournament and sits solely atop the goal scorers chart.

Ighalo came off the bench, in Nigeria’s first game against Burundi, and banged in a late winner off a deliciously sleek Ola Aina backheeled assist.

He then scored twice in Nigeria’s come-from-behind win over Cameroun. The first was a pure poacher’s strike, reacting fastest to a loose ball in a crowded box to slam a first time shot past Andre Onana in Cameroun’s goal.

The second was a beautiful team goal. He collected a fine chested pass from Ahmed Musa and placed his shot beyond the keeper’s reach.

The 30-year-old then got his fourth goal against Algeria, sending M’Bolhi the wrong way from the penalty spot to restore parity in the semifinal game.

Other players in the hunt for the top scorer gong include Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Algeria’s duo of Riyadh Mahrez and Adam Ounas, who have three goals each.

Also on three goals is Cedric Bakambu but his Congolese side have since been sent packing from the AFCON.

Algeria’s Youcef Belaili currently on two goals retains hope with an outside chance.

It would be recalled that the likes of Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami and Austin Jay Jay Okocha have all won the highly rated award in the green and white colours of Nigeria.

There have been 100 goals scored in the 50 matches played so far, for an average of two goals per match.