Odion Ighalo says he has paid tithe since his first ₦15,000 salary, sparks debate
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has started a lively online debate after speaking about his long commitment to paying tithes.
What he said
In a podcast-style interview, reportedly shared on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Ighalo said he began paying tithe in 2005 when he received his first professional salary of ₦15,000, after his pastor introduced him to the practice, and that he has not missed it since. He admitted that the habit became harder when his income grew. When he was earning a reported $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia, about ₦900 million at today's exchange rate, he said he thought about it for around a month before deciding to continue paying 10 per cent. He said some friends had questioned his decision, but he stood by it.
Background
Ighalo, 37, played for clubs including Watford and Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he became one of the best-paid African players. He was top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has long spoken publicly about his Christian faith.
How people reacted
Opinion was divided. Many Christians praised his faith and discipline and said his success was a blessing. Others argued that giving such large sums to churches was unnecessary and that the money could do more good if given directly to people in need. Some said it was his personal choice and others should respect it.
Why it matters
Tithing is a frequent topic of debate in Nigeria, where churches play a large role in public life and some pastors have faced criticism over their wealth.
- Ighalo says he has paid tithe since his first ₦15,000 salary.
- He earned a reported $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia.
- His comments divided opinion online.