Odion Ighalo played a pivotal role in Al Wehda’s 1-0 victory over Damac, providing the assist that secured three precious points in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.
The former Super Eagles striker teed up Juninho Bacuna for the game’s only goal in the 52nd minute, helping the struggling side snap a losing streak. The win, though crucial, wasn’t enough to lift Al Wehda out of the relegation zone they remain in 17th place with 23 points in the 18-team table.
Ighalo has now recorded two assists this season, along with five goals in 26 appearances, as he continues to be a key figure in Al Wehda’s battle for survival.
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The club came into this fixture on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Al Shabab and was desperate to return to winning ways.
Meanwhile, in another Saudi Pro League encounter, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong completed the full 90 minutes for Al Kholood as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Al Shabab. It marked their third consecutive loss, leaving the team in a precarious position.
Troost-Ekong has made 25 appearances this season and has scored twice for Al Kholood.
Editorial
When the stakes are this high, every point matters and for Al Wehda, Thursday’s win felt like a lifeline. In a season defined by struggle, Odion Ighalo’s experience continues to shine through, even in small moments. That assist, his second of the campaign, might seem modest on paper, but it carried the weight of a club fighting tooth and nail to stay afloat.
It’s easy to focus on goals and finishes, but what often gets overlooked is the value of leadership in times of crisis. Ighalo, once a mainstay in Europe and for the Super Eagles, now finds himself in a different kind of pressure cooker helping Al Wehda claw their way out of the drop zone. The mental toughness to keep delivering in such an environment speaks volumes.
Likewise, Troost-Ekong’s full match participation, despite Al Kholood’s poor run, shows a different kind of commitment. When form dips, true professionals remain consistent. That’s what Nigeria’s senior players are bringing to their respective sides in Saudi Arabia grit, experience, and leadership.
We often talk about our players’ success stories in top-five European leagues, but there’s value in recognising their contributions elsewhere. These are men playing under pressure, where every touch can mean the difference between topflight survival and relegation. And they’re showing up.
Ighalo’s journey isn’t about personal milestones anymore it’s about purpose. About proving that wherever you play, impact still matters.
Did You Know?
- Odion Ighalo was the top scorer in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with five goals.
- Al Wehda was founded in 1945 and is based in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
- Juninho Bacuna, who scored Ighalo’s assisted goal, previously played in the English Championship with Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City.
- William Troost-Ekong captained Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at AFCON 2019.
- The Saudi Pro League is currently among the top-spending leagues globally due to a government-backed push to attract high-profile players.
