Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo marked his return to Al Wehda’s starting line-up with a goal, but it was not enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat to Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional League on Thursday evening.
The Nigerian forward, restored to the XI after a barren run, opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a composed finish to justify his selection.
However, the hosts hit back before the break, as Fernandez teed up Cameron Puertas to fire home the equaliser in the 43rd minute.
Al Qadsiah thought they had a chance to take the lead from the spot, but a VAR review saw a penalty decision overturned. The sides went into the interval level at 1-1.
READ MORE: our-biggest-problem-has-been-poor-finishing-zubairu-reflects-on-flying-eagles-u-20-afcon-exit
Ighalo was withdrawn in the 66th minute for Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq, as Al Wehda appeared to shift to a more defensive shape in a bid to salvage a point.
Odion Ighalo has been plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League since leaving Manchester United in 2021. Photo Credit: X
But their resistance eventually crumbled. In the 86th minute, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turned provider, finding Puertas who struck again to give Al Qadsiah the lead.
Deep into stoppage time, the former Arsenal striker turned scorer, latching on to a Puertas assist to seal the win with a third goal in the eighth minute of added time.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Ighalo’s opener—his sixth of the campaign—offered brief hope, but it proved insufficient as Al Wehda’s struggles continue. They remain just two points above the relegation zone and face a nervy end to the season in their battle for top-flight survival.
