Nigerian forward, Odion Ighalo, showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting a hattrick as Al Wehda secured a convincing victory over Damac FC at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The former Manchester United striker made a significant move to join the Red Giants on a free transfer after his contract with Al Hilal came to an end without an agreement for an extension
Ex Super Eagles forward was in red-hot form as Al Wehda defeated Damac following the resumption of the league after the international break.
Ighalo also became the fifth player to score a hat-trick in the league this season, joining Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr, Al Ahli’s Roberto Firminho, Malcom and Aleksandr Mitrovic of Al Hilal.
His three goals in 35 minutes made him the fastest hat-trick scorer in the league, according to the SPL.
إيغالو الأسرع هذا الموسم 🦅
سجل الهاتريك خلال أقل من 40 دقيقة لعب 👏🏻#دوري_روشن_السعودي | #yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/KeXPRrGcrb— دوري روشن السعودي (@SPL) September 14, 2023
Ighalo opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a ball found its way to him, and he clinically fired a shot past Basit Abdullah from inside the box, putting Georgios Donis’s men in the lead.
Although Gambian forward Assan Ceesey restore parity in the 36th minute, Ighalo double Al Wehda’s advantage with another via penalty spot to the right corner of the goal in injury time of the first half.
In the second half, Ighalo once again found the back of the net, extending his team’s lead.
Ten minutes later Craig Godwin added Al Wehda’s fourth before Sultan Faqihi netted with seven minutes remaining to half the deficit for Damac.
Al Wehda has accumulated nine points from six matches in the Saudi Pro League, closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, who have 10 points with one match in hand.
