Although Ighalo missed his own penalty kick in the shootout, it didn't stop Ramon Diaz's side from winning their second Saudi King's Cup in three years. The team has won 10 titles in the competition's history, ranking second to Al-Ahli's 13 victories.
Ighalo's impact on the pitch cannot be overlooked. The Nigerian striker scored twice in his four appearances in the Cup tournament this year. His contributions helped Al-Hilal secure its position as one of the top teams in Saudi Arabia.
This victory is Ighalo's second laurel in the Middle East country. He previously won the Saudi Arabia Professional Football League during his first term with Al-Hilal.
Ighalo expressed his excitement and gratitude to his teammates and supporters for their contributions towards the team's success. He said, "I am delighted to have won the Saudi King's Cup with Al-Hilal. It was a tough game, but we were able to pull through and secure the victory. I want to thank my teammates for their hard work and dedication, and our supporters for their unwavering support."
The former Watford striker's successful stint in the Middle East has proven his versatility as a player and his ability to adapt to new environments. His experience in Saudi Arabia has also helped to raise the profile of Nigerian football in the region.
Ighalo's victory with Al-Hilal comes at a crucial time for the team, as they look to defend their Saudi Arabia Professional Football League title. The team currently sits at the top of the league table with 60 points, six points ahead of their closest rival, Al-Nassr.
Ighalo's performance on the pitch will undoubtedly be a key factor in their quest for the league title. The striker has been in fine form since joining Al-Hilal, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances.
With his experience and skill, Ighalo is a valuable asset to Al-Hilal and Nigerian football as a whole. As he continues to make a name for himself in the Middle East, his success serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers across Nigeria and the continent.