The Nigerian international could not have hoped for a better start to his career at his new club as the Saudi Arabian champions progressed to the semifinals of the Club World Cup
Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo got his Al-Hilal career off to a perfect start after he scored the opening goal in the side’s 6-1 thrashing of Al-Jazira in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup.
Ighalo joined Al-Hilal from rivals Al-Shabab in January, and it only took him 36 minutes into his competitive debut to make his mark.
Al-Hilal got off to a bad start as Al-Jazira took the lead in the 14th minute through Abdoulay Diaby. However, Ighalo restored parity for the Saudi Arabian champions nine minutes before half-time.
Ighalo’s strike opened the floodgates for Al-Hilal, who took the lead in the 40th minute through Matheus Pereira.
Mohamed Kanno made it three in the 57th minute before Salem Al-Dawsari extended the lead 13 minutes before time.
Late goals from Moussa Marega and André Carrillo completed a 6-1 rout for Leonardo Jardim’s men. Their reward for the victory is a semifinal date with European champions, Chelsea.
