Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo left an indelible mark in the Saudi Pro League as he delivered a stunning hat-trick in just 35 minutes, MySportDab reports.
securing his place as the fastest hat-trick scorer in the league this season. Ighalo’s extraordinary feat came as Al Wehda triumphed over Damac following the league’s resumption after the international break.
Ighalo’s performance not only set the league on fire but also earned him the distinction of becoming the fifth player to score a hat-trick in the current season, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr, Roberto Firminho of Al Ahli, as well as Malcom and Aleksandr Mitrovic from Al Hilal.
The 34-year-old former Manchester United striker wasted no time in making his presence felt, striking the back of the net in the 17th minute. However, Damac managed to level the score with just nine minutes left in the first half.
Undeterred, Ighalo rose to the occasion and regained the lead for Al Wehda right at the stroke of half-time, calmly converting from the penalty spot.
He was far from finished, though, as he sealed his hat-trick with a brilliant finish in the 52nd minute, extending Al Wehda’s advantage and sending the fans into raptures.
The goal extravaganza continued for Al Wehda, with Craig Godwin adding a fourth just ten minutes later.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Damac managed to pull one back, with Sultan Faqihi finding the net with seven minutes remaining, narrowing the deficit.
Ighalo’s remarkable hat-trick and the overall performance of Al Wehda exemplify the excitement and quality of football in the Saudi Pro League.
As the league season unfolds, fans will be eagerly anticipating more thrilling displays from Odion Ighalo and other standout talents.
His record-breaking achievement further solidifies his status as a football icon, leaving an indomitable mark on the Saudi football landscape.
