Tension for Chelsea Fans As Nigerian Striker Ighalo Talks Tough Ahead of Club World Cup Clash With Al-Hilal

• Odion Ighalo is prepared for the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final clash between his Al-Hilal side and Chelsea
• Ighalo has played against the Blues on several occasions having featured for English clubs Watford and Manchester United
• The Super Eagles striker who recently came out of international retirement says he already knows how Chelsea play

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo seems set for the FIFA Club World Cup clash involving Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Chelsea football club of England.

Chelsea take on Al-Hilal in a semi-final clash at the competition on Wednesday and the Nigerian star is already fired up for the showdown.

Ighalo who featured for English clubs Watford and Manchester United says he already knows the Blues, having played against them a number of times.

On his debut, the Nigerian star scored the opening goal in their 6-1 win over Aljazira in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup.

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Victory in that game means Al-Hilal set up a semi-final clash with Chelsea and ahead of the clash, Ighalo believes Al-Hilal have enough in their tank to claim a famous victory.

Ighalo told FIFA’s website as per Soccernet:

“We’re going to play against Chelsea, a good team which I have played against before, but as you know, the goal of the team and the fans is to win because this team doesn’t understand losing.”

A victory for Al Hilal will give them their first-ever appearance at the finals of the Club World Cup.

Chelsea arrive UAE

Meanwhile, Chelsea have arrived in the United Arab Emirates without their gaffer Thomas Tuchel for their campaign in the Club World Cup.

And in the 23-man squad announced by the Stamford Bridge landlords, Reece James was among the players who arrived at UAE ahead of their first match on Wednesday, February 9.

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Before the Blues travelled out of England, manager Thomas Tuchel was said to have been tested again for COVID-19 and the result returned positive and he is currently self-isolating.

Al Ahly set for Palmeiras clash

Sports Brief earlier reported that Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly side will face Brazil’s Palmeiras in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The African champions notched up their 16th game of the tournament when they took on Monterrey in their first game to set the record for most matches played at the Club World Cup.

Al Ahly beat Monterrey 1-0 thanks to a Mohammed Hany goal in the 53rd minute, FIFA confirmed on their website.