Club World Cup: Odion Ighalo Thinks Al Hilal Can Defeat Chelsea
Al Hilal forward Odion Ighalo says the team is fired up and ready for the Club World Cup semi-final clash against European champions Chelsea.
Ighalo, who only left Manchester United to join Al Shabab last year, is the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer after bagging 13 goals in 19 appearances this season.
The Nigeria striker hit the ground running on his debut in Sunday’s second-round showdown with Al Jazira, opening the scoring in a comprehensive 6-1 victory for Al-Hilal.
The Blues will have to be on point defensively if they want to reach Saturday’s final, as Jardim’s men have registered 21 goals in their last seven matches in all competitions.
“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,” Ighalo speaking to FIFA official website.
“We’re going to play against Chelsea, a good team which I have played against before, but as you know, the goal of the team and the fans is to win because this team doesn’t understand losing.
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.
African champions Al Ahly will face South American Champions Palmerias in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
