Villain-turn-hero Odion Ighalo believes that handsomely paid footballers should accept criticisms as part and parcel of the game as something that can spur them to work even harder to be the best they can be.
The ex-Watford man came under heavy criticisms from fans having failed to score for Nigeria in the World Cup this year. He however produced five goals against Libya in back-to-back 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Super Eagles went top of Group E.
His five goals in two games also made him top-scorer in the qualifiers so far with six goals. Fans are now talking more favourable about the China-based striker.
Speaking on BBC.co.uk, Ighalo said: "I'm a professional. I've been playing professional football for 13 to 14 years now. So I know that criticism is a part of the game,
If you're getting paid well and you're representing people, you have to accept criticism. So I accept whatever anyone says, but football doesn't always go the way you want it. That does not mean you are going to kill yourself.
You have to pick yourself up from scratch and continue, which I did after the World Cup. I continued doing what I know how to do best in my club, and I'm happy everything is going well."
Ighalo, who has now scored a total of 26 goals in 28 matches for club and country in the present season, is expected to lead the lines for the Super Eagles when they face South Africa away in the November 17 Afcon qualifier.