Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has opened up on his habit of paying tithes, saying he has stayed faithful to it from the very start of his professional career in 2005. According to Daily Post Nigeria, he spoke while discussing the controversy over paying tithes to pastors and what Christians owe their churches.
The remarks appeared in a video circulating on the social media platform X. The date and place of the recording were not given in the report.
From N15,000 to big money
The former Manchester United striker said he started giving when he collected his first salary of N15,000 as a young footballer. He said his pastor introduced him to the biblical practice, and he has kept giving 10 per cent of his earnings even as his income grew sharply.
Ighalo admitted the commitment was easy when he earned little, but that he struggled at first when his career began bringing in far more money. He said he took time to think it over before deciding that a bigger income would not alter his approach. In his words:
"When I started earning big money and calculated 10 per cent of my tithe, I was like, 'What?' I thought about it for a day, but I told myself that the same principle should remain. If you can be faithful with little, you can also be faithful with whatever amount comes your way," he said.
He insisted the size of his earnings does not decide whether he keeps his religious commitment. "I don't care how much I earn today. My 10 per cent is for God. I pay my tithes, I sow seeds and I do other things in support of God's work," he added.
On pastors and the money
Responding to people who object that tithes end up with pastors, Ighalo said believers should do their part and leave pastors answerable to God for how they handle the funds. He put it this way:
"Some people say you are giving the money to pastors. That is not my problem. According to the Word of God, whatever the pastor does with it is between him and God. He will have to explain to God," he said.
Faith in hard times
Ighalo also tied his tithing and seed sowing to his confidence in getting through difficult situations. He expressed strong belief that no challenge could come that God would be unable to help him overcome. He explained that in tough moments he reminds God of his prayers, sacrifices and commitment.
"Whenever challenges come, I cry to God and say, 'Remember my tithes, remember the seeds and remember everything I have done to the glory of your name,'" he said.
The footballer conceded that he is not a perfect person but said his faith remains unshaken. He repeated that he has not missed paying his tithe since 2005 and described it as an important part of his relationship with God.
