Odion Ighalo: Al Shabab striker s head-scratching conundrum goal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from goal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Nigerian striker scored at least a goal in his last four matches for the White Lion and Sunday s heroics took his tally to nine goals after 13 league appearances.
Despite joining Carlos Inarejos s side in the middle of the season, Ighalo ended his first league season in the Middle East as the joint-second top-scorer for Al Shabab with Portugal s Fabio Martins (nine goals) after Argentina striker Cristian Guanca, who scored 17 goals.
Ighalo has rapidly found his feet in Saudi Arabia following his permanent from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua in February. He left Shanghai immediately after his one-year loan spell at boyhood club Manchester United.
RIYADH: Al-Hilal’s French striker Bafetimbi Gomis has confirmed that his future at the club remains unresolved, while at the same time revealing his delight at helping the Riyadh giants retain the Saudi Pro League (SPL) title on Sunday.
A record-extending 17th title was achieved with a 1-0 win over Al-Taawoun thanks to Gomis’ fifth-minute goal at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.
“I feel like all Hilal fans feel. We are very happy to win this league, which was not easy. I am not the champion; the champion is Al-Hilal. I am happy about that and now I need to end the season and celebrate with the fans and then we will see,” he told Arabic sports daily Arriyadiyah.
Triumphant reunion for Al-Hilal s players and supporters as 17th league title edges closer arabnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from arabnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The hosts were heading into the break with a two-goal lead but it was halved by Senegal midfielder Badou Ndiaye who scored Al Ain s only goal in the encounter.
After the break, Al Shabab continued their goal party with Ever Banega making it 3-1 and Ighalo returned Guanca s first-half gesture with an assist for the Argentine to stretch their lead to 4-1 in the 72nd minute.
Igor Lichnovsky wrapped up maximum points for the White Lions with seven minutes left on the clock.
Meanwhile, Ighalo did not finish the game as he was replaced in the 76th minute by Turki Al-Ammar.