Jude Ighalo Signs New Contract at Watford

Odion Ighalo has signed a new five-year contract with Watford expected to keep him at Vicarage Road until 2020.

The 26-year-old has scored 21 goals in 42 appearances since signing for Watford initially on loan from Udinese in July 2014.

“I’m grateful for this deal, and I’m very happy to be here,” he told the club’s official website.

“I’ve worked hard to get here, we’ve been negotiating for a while now, so I’m glad we have come to a conclusion which means I can now continue to focus on playing this season.”

The Hornets made the Nigeria international’s deal permanent after he helped them gain promotion to the Premier League last season, scoring 20 goals in just 22 starts in the SkyBet Championship.

“I have worked hard to get the club promoted, so I want to be here,” Ighalo said.

“I’ve been following Watford since the Pozzos took over, and I came here last year to join the team.

“The atmosphere here is great, and playing in the Premier League is something that I have dreamt about.”

The former Prime FC and Julius Berger striker opened his Premier League account in his club’s opening 2-2 draw at Everton.

Watford, who have recorded three points from four matches, are at home to Swansea on Saturday and Ighalo is optimistic that they will retain their top-flight status by the end of the season.

He noted: “We haven’t won any games as of yet in the Premier League, but my aim is to work hard and by the end of the season we hope to achieve the dream of staying here in this league.”