Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has revealed how he began paying tithes from his ₦15,000 monthly salary at Julius Berger in 2005.
The footballer said he initially struggled to continue the practice after his earnings increased to $642,000 monthly in Saudi Arabia.
Ighalo shared the experience during a podcast interview with Rasheedat Ajibade, sparking mixed reactions on social media over religious giving.
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has opened up about his longstanding commitment to paying tithes, revealing that the practice started when he earned just ₦15,000 at Julius Berger in 2005.
The footballer also recalled how he struggled with the decision after becoming a high earner in Saudi Arabia, where he reportedly received $642,000 monthly. His revelation has triggered fresh conversations about tithing, religious commitment and the amount of money people give to churches.
Ighalo recalls paying tithe from his first salary
Speaking during a podcast interview with fellow footballer Rasheedat Ajibade, Ighalo explained that he began setting aside 10 per cent of his earnings as tithe while working at Julius Berger.
According to him, the habit continued throughout his football career, even as his financial circumstances changed significantly.
The former Manchester United striker admitted that giving away such a large amount became difficult when his monthly earnings increased to $642,000 in Saudi Arabia.
However, he said an experience involving disturbing dreams made him reconsider his decision to stop the practice.
“My first salary at Julius Berger was ₦15,000, and I paid 10% tithe. When I started earning $642,000 monthly in Saudi Arabia, I struggled to pay, but after having bad dreams, I continued. My friends thought I was crazy for giving a pastor my money.”
Why Ighalo continued despite his friends’ concerns
Ighalo’s account suggests that his decision to continue paying tithes was influenced by his personal experiences and religious convictions.
He also maintained that any pastor who misuses money received from worshippers would be answerable to God for such actions.
His position has added another dimension to the discussion, particularly as religious giving by wealthy Nigerians continues to attract public attention.
Nigerians disagree over Ighalo’s tithing revelation
The footballer’s disclosure generated different opinions on X, with some users supporting his personal decision while others questioned the practice.
While some praised his consistency, critics argued that large financial contributions to churches could be better directed towards family responsibilities and other needs.
Here are some of the comments shared by Nigerians following the revelation:
@itsSh0la wrote:
“Anything you’re doing that works for you. Better don’t stop!”
@realyobarnub wrote:
“Imagine paying 100m naira to a pastor every month, now I see where they get money to buy a Rolce Royce 🤦♂️🤦♂️”
@TIMOTHY EBIKEME wrote:
“Which God need ur 10% d one that can create wealth for himself just say ur 10% is for your pastor so how many percentages for your siblings?”
@Emeka_Onyeocha wrote:
“I always see people that pay tithe as brainwashed people. During my university days, a friend of mine pays his tithe from the pocket money his parents do send to him, I had to sit him down and explain to him how crazy it is.”
@Macdonaldc wrote:
“God does not need your tight or sacrifices to save you in times of trouble. Whether you pay tight or not he will @lways protect his children.”
@Emiloju60 wrote:
“The pastor don clone her brain with some might juju na why she had the dream.”
Meanwhile, Pastor Ibiyeomie has sparked controversy after claiming that helping Christians who do not pay tithes can lead to financial hardship.
The cleric recalled giving N40,000 to a struggling pastor with a newborn baby and later experiencing what he described as closed heavens. Continue reading here.
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