February 07, (THEWILL) – On his competitive debut, Odion Jude Ighalo levelled the scores as Al Hilal came from behind to defeat Al Jazira 6-1 in the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday, helping the Saudi Arabian team break a tournament record in the process.
It was the largest triumph in the tournament’s history and Al Hilal’s reward is a battle with European champions Chelsea in the Wednesday semifinal.
Abdoulay Diaby scored from close range in the 14th minute, but Ighalo equalised for Al-Hilal in the 36th minute before former West Brom star Matheus Pereira put the visitors ahead five minutes before the interval.
Al Hilal turned up the after burners in the second half to finish comfortably with a 6-1 result thanks to second-half goals from Mohammed Kanno, Salem Al Dawsari, Marega, and Carrillo.
Ighalo was brimming with confidence ahead of the encounter with Chelsea, referring to Al Hilal fans and players wanting to win every game. He expressed this much when he sat down to talk with the FIFA website.
“When you think about the teams you are going to face in the Club World Cup, high level and big teams that won in their continent,” the 32-year-old said.
“We are going to play against Chelsea, good team which I have played against before so it’s one of those highlights in your career that you’re always going to cherish after you finish playing football.
“As you know the goal of the team and fans is to win and win because this team don’t understand losing. It is to win and hopefully we’re going to win and do our best.”
Ighalo has six career appearances versus Chelsea, winning one, drawing two, and losing the others. He recently completed a €5.9 million transfer from rival Saudi club Al Shabab, setting a Nigerian record for a permanent transfer of a player aged 30 and above.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
