"Every match is a final," Ighalo urges Al Wehda

Posted : 12 May 2025

Odion Ighalo has described Al Wehda’s crucial 1-0 triumph over Al Fateh as feeling like a "six-point" victory, underlining its importance in the battle to avoid relegation from the Saudi Pro League. The narrow win was a major boost for the team’s survival hopes, especially given how tight the bottom of the table remains. The result pushed the Mecca-based club up to 14th in the standings, now sitting two points above the danger zone with three fixtures remaining.

The Nigerian striker featured for 68 minutes during the tense encounter in Jeddah and later commended his teammates for their determination. Al Wehda’s early goal proved decisive as they held their nerve and defended resolutely against a dominant but wasteful Al Fateh. The win comes at a crucial time with relegation pressure intensifying across the league.

Speaking after the match, Ighalo emphasized how vital the result was to their campaign. “The most important thing is the three points,” he said. “It means a lot for us. Winning this match gives us hope and belief that we can stay up. It really feels like six points, not three.” His remarks reflect the mindset shift within the squad as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Despite the relief from escaping the drop zone for now, the margin for safety remains slim. Al Wehda are now on 32 points, the same as 10th-placed Al Khaleej. However, several clubs are still closely packed in the standings, including Al Kholood, who revived their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Al Ettifaq. That win pushed them two points clear of Ighalo’s side and added more drama to the relegation race.

“Every match from now on is like a final,” Ighalo noted. “There’s no easy fixture at this stage. We have to fight hard every single time and collect as many points as possible.” His words capture the urgency and pressure that surrounds every remaining fixture, as Al Wehda look to steer clear of relegation.

Individually, the 2024–25 season has been a difficult one for Ighalo. With just five goals and two assists in 29 league appearances, it's shaping up to be his least productive season since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2021. Nevertheless, the experienced forward remains committed to helping his team reach safety rather than focusing on personal statistics.

The game’s only goal came early on, when Abdulaziz Al Noor finished off a fast counter-attack in the eighth minute. That early advantage set the tone for Al Wehda, who managed the rest of the game with discipline and focus. For a team that began the weekend in the relegation zone, it was the perfect response — and possibly a turning point in their survival quest.

"Every match is a final," Ighalo urges Al Wehda

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics