Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has paid glowing tribute to renowned football scout Marcelo Houseman, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in the launch of his professional football career nearly two decades ago.
Speaking to journalists, Ighalo revealed that Houseman discovered him and fellow Nigerian footballer Kim Ojo at a time when both players were largely unknown and subsequently opened doors that paved the way for their careers in Europe.
“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.
The former Nigeria international noted that Houseman’s commitment went far beyond talent identification, describing him as a mentor who invested significant time, resources and personal effort into helping young African footballers realise their dreams.
According to Ighalo, although German club Hertha Berlin expressed interest in signing only him, Houseman remained loyal to both players and refused to accept arrangements he believed were unfair.
“Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman stood by both of us. He believed we deserved equal opportunities and rejected offers he considered inadequate,” he recalled.
Ighalo said Houseman subsequently organised a two-month tour of several European clubs in a bid to secure opportunities for the pair. The journey took them to clubs including Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and RCD Espanyol in Spain.
While those trials did not result in contracts, Ighalo said Houseman remained determined and continued searching for opportunities on their behalf.
“Although those moves did not materialise, Houseman never gave up. He introduced us to another trusted agent who arranged trials in Oslo, Norway,” he said.
The 36-year-old striker also praised Houseman for the financial assistance he provided during difficult periods, noting that his support extended beyond football and had a positive impact on their families.
“He gave us money that helped our families greatly. I passed the trials in Norway, signed a pre-contract, and the rest became a 19-year professional career,” Ighalo stated.
Reflecting on his journey, Ighalo described Houseman as a visionary mentor whose sacrifices and belief in young players helped transform many careers.
“Without Houseman, my football story could have been different. He saw potential in me before many others did and opened doors that changed my life,” he said.
Ighalo’s professional career began in Nigeria with Prime FC and Julius Berger before he secured a move to Norwegian club Lyn in 2007.
A year later, he joined Italian side Udinese and later enjoyed successful loan spells with Granada CF, where he established himself as a prolific forward.
His career reached new heights following a move to Watford FC in 2014, where his goals played a crucial role in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
Ighalo subsequently enjoyed successful spells in China with Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua before fulfilling a childhood dream by joining Manchester United on loan in 2020.
On the international stage, he made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2015 and represented the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He later emerged as the top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria secure a third-place finish.
Currently plying his trade with Al Wehda FC in Saudi Arabia, Ighalo remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished strikers and continues to acknowledge the man he says helped set him on the path to success.
For the veteran forward, Marcelo Houseman’s belief in his talent remains one of the defining moments of a career that has spanned 19 years across Europe, Asia and international football. NAN
