Penalty box predator Odion Ighalo opens 2019 account for Shanghai Shenhua

Penalty box predator Odion Ighalo netted his maiden goal in Shanghai Shenhua colours as they fell to a 2-1 loss at home to Hebei CFFC on game week 2 in the Chinese Super League recently, National Daily gathered.

Having fired blanks in the derby against Shanghai SIPG on March 1, the Nigeria international netted his first goal for his new employer after 134 minutes of game time.

Ighalo needed only four minutes to cancel out Ayoub El Kaabi’s opener which the prolific Morocco international scored on the half-hour mark.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations leading marksman is known for his ability to finish from inside the box and was on hand to fire home a rebound from close range after his initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Geng Xiaofeng.

Ighalo proved his worth at demoted Changchun Yatai, scoring 36 goals in 55 appearances across two seasons.

Following their second loss of the new season, Shanghai Shenhua are the basement team in the division.