Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo may have left Africa as a teenager but he's invested heavily into his home country Nigeria from the lucrative contracts he's enjoyed over his career.
Ighalo left home at the age of 17 for a move to Norway and has since enjoyed 13 years abroad, taking him to the highs to LaLiga, the Premier League and the riches of Chinese and Saudi Arabian football - where he finds himself at Al Shabab.
But he's always shown his loyalty, affinity and generosity towards the land he grew up in with major investments like the Odion Ighalo orphanage he established back in 2017 in Lagos.
Giving back to his community
The R20-million establishment holds 40 children who are allowed to be homed until the age of 18 as they acquire quality education and sports training.
"Life was tough growing up and I vowed that if I eventually had a breakthrough, I'll give back to the society that made me. Life's challenges were hard enough even with both parents at my side," Ighalo said.
"It goes without saying that orphans have it even worse. It gladdens my heart that life has offered me this rare privilege to be a guiding light in their life. I dream of affecting lives and this is one step in the right direction.
"I hope lives will be positively changed, the aims and goals of the orphanage fully met and the children who are the leaders of tomorrow preserved."
Did you know?
Ighalo has scored 144 goals in 374 games in club football since leaving Nigeria.
Your thoughts, please?
Do you think the 31-year-old should be considered as one of Africa's all-time great strikers?