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Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia striker, Odion Jude Ighalo is targeting an unlikely victory for his side against Chelsea of England on Wednesday at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, despite all odds being staked against his less-fancied club in the CWC semi-final cracker in Qatar, Ighalo is upbeat for a mammoth shock in mid-week.
Ighalo’s optimism has been boosted after he helped his side book their place at this stage with a well-taken goal on Sunday, as he hit target on his competitive debut and his side romped from behind to thrash Al Jazira 6-1 in the second round.
Abdoulay Diaby slotted from close range to open the scoring in the 14th minute but Ighalo headed in to equalise for Al-Hilal in the 36th minute before former West Brom man Matheus Pereira put the visitors ahead five minutes before the break.
Second half goals from Mohammed Kanno, Salem Al Dawsari, Marega and Carrillo earned Al Hilal a comprehensive win, thereby taking Ighalo into a rematch with The Blues, whose sides he had been regular against during his time in England with Watford and Manchester United.
The result also meant Ighalo’s Saudi Arabian side had set a tournament record with their biggest win in the tournament’s history and Al Hilal’s reward is a semi-final showdown with Chelsea, the reigning European champions.
Though historical statistics seem to disfavour Ighalo, who has six appearances against Chelsea, with a single win, two draws and three defeats in those outings, he spoke about the experience he has from previous fames against The Blues.
While also citing the role expected of Al Hilal fans, Ighalo stressed that he and all the other players in the squad are already fired up to shock their opponents from London, as they are imbibed with a zeal to win every game.
Ighalo told FIFA’s website: “The goal of the team and fans is to win and win because this team don’t understand losing.
“We are going to play against Chelsea, good team which I have played against before. It is to win and hopefully we’re going to win and do our best.
“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.
“So, it’s one of those highlights in your career that you’re always going to cherish after you finish playing football.”
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