Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has credited renowned football scout Marcelo Houseman with discovering him and laying the foundation for his 19-year professional football career.

Ighalo, who began his career with Nigerian clubs Prime FC and Julius Berger before moving to Norwegian side Lyn in 2007, said Houseman’s belief in his talent and sustained support opened the doors to European football.

Speaking with journalists, Ighalo recalled how Houseman discovered him alongside fellow Nigerian footballer Kim Ojo and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for both players abroad.

He said Houseman’s commitment went beyond scouting, as he invested time, resources, and personal support in nurturing young African talents.

“Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players,” Ighalo said.
“Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman insisted that both of us deserved equal opportunities and turned down offers he considered unfair.”

Ighalo added that Houseman later took them on a two-month tour of European clubs, including Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and RCD Espanyol in Spain.
Although those moves did not materialise, he said Houseman remained determined and later introduced them to another agent who arranged trials in Oslo, Norway.

“He also supported us financially, which helped our families during difficult times. I eventually passed the trials in Norway, signed a pre-contract, and that marked the beginning of my 19-year professional career,” he said.
Ighalo described Houseman as a mentor whose vision and sacrifices helped shape the careers of several African footballers.

Following his breakthrough, Ighalo went on to join Italian club Udinese in 2008, with loan spells at Granada in Spain before establishing himself in European football.

In 2014, he signed for Watford and played a key role in the club’s promotion to the English Premier League.
He later played for Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua in China before joining Manchester United on loan in 2020.

On the international stage, Ighalo made his debut for Nigeria in 2015, represented the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and finished as top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured third place.
He currently plays for Al Wehda in Saudi Arabia, bringing experience from successful spells across Europe, Asia, and international football.