Saudi Arabia league is stronger than people think — Ighalo

Odion Ighalo believes the Saudi Professional Football League is tougher than people think, and the performance of the national team at the World Cup in Qatar is a testament.

Ighalo currently plays for Al Hilal, after a year and a half with rivals Al Shabab FC where he also enjoyed success.

In his debut season with Al Hilal, Ighalo netted 12 goals and recorded 4 assists to help the team win the league.

This term, he scored four goals and two assists in eight for Al Hilal before the season went on break for the World Cup.

Despite scoring regularly, Ighalo insists the league is tougher than people thought.

“Before I came, I thought the league would be a pushover but now, having played for two seasons, I know it’s one of the toughest in the region. Al Hilal won the AFC Champions League in 2019 and 2021 and qualified for the Club World Cup.”

“The league is growing faster than I expected. More foreign players, coaches and the federation is backing it and you can see that reflected in the Saudi team,” he said.