2022 FIFA World Cup: Ighalo tips Senegal to pip England to quarterfinal spot

The Three Lions are favourites heading into their round of 16 fixture, but Ighalo believes the Teranga Lions can stage an upset

Super Eagles attacker Odion Ighalo has tipped Senegal to beat England to a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup when both teams square off at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal and Morocco are the only two African teams still left at the World Cup, and they have very strong opponents waiting for them in the next round. Senegal play England, while Morocco square off against Spain.

Judging by the quality of players, England are big favourites going into the tie against Senegal. But the Teranga Lions have shown that they can be dogged.

Also, the Three Lions have shown that they can bleed when they meet tough opposition.

Former Watford man Ighalo is torn between England and Senegal because he is an African, but he also had a successful three-year stay in England. Still, he feels Senegal have a fighting chance.

“Against England in the round of 16, it’s going to be tough but in football, anything can happen,” Ighalo told The Athletic.

“Names don’t play football — if you work hard and give everything on the field you have every chance to get through, so one mistake could cost any team.

“So I wish Senegal all the best, I love England because obviously I played there and I’m a United fan, but as an African, I hope the best side wins.

The clash will be the first meeting between both sides at the World Cup, and it promises to be a tough one.

Senegal already met with a strong European opponent in the group stage, they gave a good account of themselves, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was the villain in the closing embers of the game, as they suffered a 2-0 loss to Netherlands.