Odion Ighalo’s Club Relegated from Saudi Pro League
Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo will play in Saudi Arabia’s second division next season after his club, Al Wehda, were relegated from the Saudi Pro League.
Al Wehda lost 2-1 to Al Ettifaq in their final game of the season, a result that confirmed their drop from the top flight.
Going into the match, Al Wehda needed a win to stay up. Ighalo, who scored six goals and provided two assists this season, was expected to make a difference, but the 2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner couldn’t rescue his side this time.
Al Ettifaq took the lead just before half-time through Abdullah Radif. Al Wehda equalised in the 70th minute with a goal from Jawad El Yamiq, but their hopes of survival were crushed when they conceded again in stoppage time.
Ighalo was largely ineffective in the game, managing only two shots as Al Wehda struggled to create chances.
The defeat leaves Al Wehda in 16th place on the league table with 33 points. A win would have taken them above Al Okhdood, who finished just above the drop zone in 15th.
With this result, Ighalo and Al Wehda will now compete in the Saudi Arabian Division One next season.
Al Okhdood Survive Relegation Thanks to Saviour’s Side
While Al Wehda fell short, Al Okhdood pulled off a dramatic escape. They needed to beat Al Khaleej and hope that Al Wehda lost — and both results went in their favour.
Al Okhdood were 2-0 down early in the second half but fought back to win 3-2 and avoid the drop. Their comeback, along with Al Wehda’s defeat, ensured their survival in the top division.
