How I started paying tithe at 16 with N15,000 salary

Nigerian football star Odion Ighalo has opened up about his unwavering commitment to tithing, a practice he began at just 16 years old when he earned N15,000 as his monthly salary.

Speaking on the Rash4Christ Podcast, Ighalo shared how his pastor’s teachings influenced him to give 10% of his income to God early in his football journey.

“My first salary when I was playing for Julius Berger in 2005 was N15,000. I was 16 years old then. My pastor taught me about tithing, and since then, I have never missed paying my tithe,” he said.

He acknowledged struggling with doubt, especially when he moved to China and his salary significantly increased.

He said, “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.”

Despite those moments of hesitation, Ighalo said he turned to prayer for clarity and remained faithful to his practice.

“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.

Addressing skepticism around tithing, Ighalo remained firm in his belief.

“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 said.