Former Super Eagles star, Odion Ighalo has opened up about his commitment to paying tithes, revealing that he would never stop giving 10% of his earnings to God, no matter how much he makes.
On the Rash4Christ Podcast, hosted by Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade, Ighalo recalled how he first learned about tithing while playing for Julius Berger in 2005, earning just ₦15,000 as a 16-year-old.
However, the former Manchester United striker admitted he almost backtracked when his wages increased beyond imagination after moving to China.
‘My first salary I got when I was playing back in Julius Berger was in 2005. I was 16 years old then. 15,000 naira. And I know my pastor back then taught me about tithing,’ Ighalo said.
‘I started paying tithe since 2005, and till today I have not missed my tithe.
‘Devil wanted to play with me when I went to China and I’m earning big money and I saw 10% of my tithe. Devil was playing with my mind. I thought about it. Month end, I got my salary, I did not send money yet’.
Ighalo said he eventually sought God in prayer, and the answer was clear: stick to the principles that had always worked for him.
‘But 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,’ Ighalo continued.
‘Like I am now, I don’t care any amount I’m going to earn in life today, 10% is for God.
Ighalo also dismissed critics who questioned his decision, saying he follows God’s word, not people’s opinions.
‘I know some people will say you are giving it to the pastor. It’s not my problem. I do according to the word of God’, he added.
