Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has made it clear that he will never stop paying tithe, no matter how much he earns.
He shared his thoughts on the Rash4Christ Podcast, revealing that he has been consistent with this practice since the beginning of his football career.
Ighalo recalled that he first learned about tithing in 2005 when he was playing for Julius Berger at the age of 16. At that time, he was earning ₦15,000 as his salary, but he still gave 10% to God.
“My first salary when I was playing for Julius Berger in 2005 was ₦15,000. I was 16 years old then. My pastor taught me about tithing, and since then, I have never missed paying my tithe,” he said.
However, he admitted that his commitment was tested when he moved to China, where his earnings increased significantly. The former Manchester United forward said he struggled at first when he saw the large amount he had to give as tithe.
“The devil tried to play with my mind when I saw the amount I had to tithe. When month-end came, I hesitated before sending the money,” he confessed.
Despite his doubts, Ighalo said he found strength through prayer. He shared that God reminded him to remain faithful to what had always worked for him.
“But I prayed one day, and God told me, ‘Don’t change the winning formula. If you can be faithful with little, you will be faithful with any amount.’
“Now, no matter how much I earn, 10% belongs to God,” he stated.
For those who criticize tithing and believe it is just giving money to pastors, Ighalo stood firm in his belief, saying that his decision is based on his faith.
“I know some people say you’re just giving money to the pastor, but that’s not my problem. I do it according to the word of God,” he concluded.
