“What a way to start the year” – Afcon-bound Ighalo celebrates second match-winning performance in five days

The 2019 Afcon best striker heads to the 33rd edition in excellent form after another brilliant display in Saudi Arabia

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo is pleased with his performance after scoring the winning goal in Al Shabab’s 4-3 thrilling victory away to Al Ahli in a Saudi Professional Football League matchup on New Year’s Day.

Ighalo was unlucky not to be credited with the opening goal in the 16th minute of the encounter inside the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, after his goal-bound effort deflected off Mohammed Majrashi for an own goal.

Argentine playmaker Eva Banega made it two-nil for the visitors two minutes later, but Al Ahli struck back three times to turn the tie around.

Hattan Bahebri equalised for Al Shabab in the 71st minute before Ighalo struck a spectacular goal to win it for the title-chasing visitors.

Putting on his best Lionel Messi act, Ighalo danced past three Al Ahli defenders to create enough space for an expert finish 17 minutes from time.

After the encounter, the ex-Watford striker took to one of his social media accounts to celebrate Al Shabab’s first win of 2022.

“What a way to start the year. 2022 our year of DOMINION. I vow to give God all the Glory,” he wrote on Instagram.

It is the second time in five days that the former Manchester United loanee would play a crucial role in his side’s triumph.

Ighalo scored one and assisted another to inspire Al Shabab to a fine 3-1 win over Al Taawon at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, on Monday, December 27.

In the absence of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Genk’s Paul Onuachu, Ighalo could play a vital role for the Super Eagles at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The 32-year-old scored five goals at the 2019 Afcon to claim the top goalscorer award.