Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has credited his religious commitment for maintaining a consistent approach to tithing throughout his football career, revealing that he has never missed a payment since he began earning a salary in 2005.
The 37-year-old disclosed that his journey of giving started at Julius Berger, where he earned N15,000 monthly as a 16-year-old footballer.
He said the lessons he received from his pastor at the time shaped his attitude towards tithing.
Ighalo, who featured for Manchester United during his career, made the revelation on the Rash4Christ Podcast hosted by Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade, where he reflected on how his faith influenced his financial decisions.
He recalled that the practice became more challenging when he secured a lucrative move to China, with his earnings reportedly reaching £300,000 per week at Changchun Yatai.
According to the striker, the substantial increase in his income initially made him reconsider the amount he was giving, but he eventually resolved to remain consistent after seeking divine guidance.
“I started paying tithe since 2005, and till today I have not missed my tithe,” he said.
The former Nigeria international explained that he had considered reducing his commitment when his earnings increased but said he believed his previous approach should not change because of financial success.
“I prayed one day, God said don’t change the winning formula. If you can be faithful with little, you’ll be faithful with any amount,” he added.
Ighalo also spoke about criticisms surrounding the payment of tithes to church leaders, maintaining that his personal conviction was more important than public opinion.
He said he was not concerned about how pastors handled the money, insisting that their accountability was separate from his own responsibility.
“Whatever that pastor does with it, it’s between him and God. He has to explain to God and all that,” Ighalo stated.
Beyond tithing, the footballer said he also gives financial support to the less privileged and participates in other forms of religious giving.
He maintained that his commitment had remained intact since he started earning money as a professional footballer.
Ighalo’s career has spanned several leagues, beginning with Julius Berger in Nigeria before moving to Lyn in Norway and Udinese in Italy.
He also played for Granada, Watford, Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua.
His career reached a notable milestone in 2020 when he joined Manchester United on loan, becoming one of the Nigerian players to represent the English club. He later played for Saudi Arabian sides Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal and Al-Wehda.
The striker, whose career included substantial earnings from China and Saudi Arabia, said his confidence in overcoming life’s challenges remained rooted in his faith.
He maintained that his approach to tithing would remain unchanged, regardless of the amount he earns in the future.
