Chiefs Make a Move: Is Etiosa Ighodaro the Answer to Amakhosi’s Scoring Struggles?

A Season of Missed Chances

Let’s be honest – the 2024/25 season was tough for Kaizer Chiefs fans. While defensive shape and midfield grit showed promise under coach Nasreddine Nabi, goals were hard to come by. Painfully hard. None of the club’s forwards managed to hit even six goals across the entire campaign.

The attacking lineup, including Ranga Chivaviro, Ashley du Preez, andBack to Where the Dream Began: SA Teen Wonderkid Returns to Kaizer Chiefs young Wandile Duba, showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. January reinforcements Tashreeq Morris and Glody Lilepo were brought in as a quick fix – but only one delivered. Morris couldn’t find his form, while Lilepo and Duba ended up as joint top scorers with five goals each – a stat that says more about the problem than the solution.

Also read: Back to Where the Dream Began: SA Teen Wonderkid Returns to Kaizer Chiefs

Enter Etiosa Ighodaro

Now, word on the ground is that Kaizer Chiefs have renewed their interest in Etiosa Ighodaro – a Nigerian striker currently on the books at Mamelodi Sundowns. According to insider whispers, it’s not the first time Amakhosi have had their eye on the 24-year-old. They previously enquired when he was impressing at Chippa United, but Sundowns opted to loan him out to SuperSport United instead.

So why the fresh push now?

Sources close to the club suggest the same scouts who first brought Ighodaro to South Africa are behind the current pursuit. With Sundowns reportedly open to letting him leave, Chiefs may finally get their chance to make a formal move.

Is Ighodaro the Right Fit?

Ighodaro has always been seen as a promising striker with a good eye for goal and decent movement off the ball – traits sorely missing from Chiefs’ current frontline. While he hasn’t yet cemented himself as a PSL superstar, his potential has caught the attention of some of the league’s biggest clubs.

He brings a more direct attacking presence – something Nabi has been vocal about wanting since day one. While his stint at SuperSport United was relatively quiet, that hasn’t deterred Chiefs from circling back. And in a team where the right system and coaching could bring the best out of him, Ighodaro might just find his breakthrough moment.

Image 1: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Staff

What Fans Are Saying

Online, the reaction from Amakhosi fans has been mixed – some are optimistic about a young striker with room to grow, while others are cautious, calling for a proven goal machine instead of yet another gamble. Social media threads are buzzing with speculation, transfer wishlists, and a fair share of “we’ve heard this before” memes.

But one thing is clear: supporters are desperate for change. They want goals. They want trophies. And they want players who can rise to the occasion in the famous gold and black.

The Bigger Picture

This potential signing speaks to a bigger shift in the Chiefs’ approach under Nabi. The club is no longer just looking to patch up holes – they’re clearly trying to build something more sustainable. If Ighodaro is part of that long-term vision and not just a knee-jerk signing, it could mark a step in the right direction.

Still, until deals are signed and shirts are held up, it’s all just speculation. But if the Chiefs can secure Ighodaro – and play to his strengths – they may finally begin to close the gaping hole in their attack.

Also read: From Kagiso’s Streets to AFCON Glory: The Rise of Thato Sibiya

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Source: The South African

Featured Image: X/@SAFootClassics