Odion Ighalo
Al Wedha forward Odion Ighalo has addressed misconceptions about the perceived ease of playing in the Saudi Professional League, saying football in Saudi Arabia is getting more and more competitive and the league has grown very tough.
Ighalo joined Al Shabab in 2021 and scored 24 goals in 31 appearances in his first full season. In his second season, with Al Hilal, he scored 19 goals in 27 matches. However, this season, the 34-year-old joined Al Wedha and has registered only 12 goals in 28 matches.
Speaking with Omasports during an exclusive interview, the former Super Eagles forward opened up about the evolving nature of the Saudi Pro League and acknowledged its intensifying competitiveness over the years.
“You know, now it’s more difficult. You know, playing in Al Wedha, we keep the ball 85% of the time. 85% we have the ball, the other team defends. Playing in Al Shabab is not like that, but we still had an upper hand against many teams, of course. But this team is different,” Ighalo remarked, discussing the unique dynamics encountered in his current club.
Despite his impressive track record, Ighalo remains grounded, valuing the respect he receives from those who understand the intricacies of football. “I know people that know about football, people that know, they give me the respect I deserve, and that’s the most important thing. But I don’t care what people outside think about me or say.
“I try as much as I can to score goals, I don’t have anything to prove anymore, so I just try to give my best every time I play, try to score, help my team and win games, and that’s it.”
Ighalo dispelled misconceptions about the Saudi league’s perceived ease and praised the league’s transformation, crediting increased investment in foreign talent and coaching expertise as key factors driving its development.
“It’s not easy. The way people look at it outside, you understand, for me, it’s one of the toughest leagues I’ve played in. You come into the league and you thought, okay, Saudi League is going to be just a walk in the park, no, it’s not. It’s not easy.
“You have to earn it, you have to work for it, you have to fight for it.
“So the league is growing. This is my fourth year now, so from when I first arrived to now, I’ve seen it has changed drastically. It’s growing, they’re putting in money, bringing more foreign players, more foreign coaches, more directors. They are organizing the league.”