Watford - Former Nigeria under 20 coach John Obuh is concerned that Odion Ighalo's struggles at Watford could affect his international future.
Ighalo enjoyed a terrific 2015/16 season, scoring 16 goals in 37 Premier League appearances, but has lost that form this campaign, contributing only one goal in 18 games for the Hornets.
His difficulties in the final third has seen him dropped from Watford's starting XI, and Obuh believes loss of form may see him fall out of favour for the Super Eagles as well.
"It's disheartening to imagine that Odion Ighalo will be in such a difficult position for Watford this season. In fact, with all due respect, I still expect the manager, Walter Mazzarri to show him (Ighalo) some element of confidence or a morale booster in a bid for him to regain his goal-scoring boot," Obuh told Soccernet.
"Ighalo is very important for the Super Eagles and I will be so delighted if he makes a goal-scoring comeback to the team.
"If he continues to sit on the bench for Watford without fighting for a shirt, he could be forgotten by the technical crew of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr.
"It's a normal thing for players to go through such a difficult period, but then he should keep working hard."
Watford next face a tricky trip to The Den to face Millwall in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday where they will be looking to avoid a cup upset.
Kick off is at 14:00.