Odion Ighalo shows he deserves Super Eagles place after superb first-half hat-trick for Al-Hilal

Nigeria's Odion Ighalo has extended his lead at the top of the Saudi Arabian League after another excellent match-winning performance for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal.

Ighalo netted a superb first-half hat-trick to inspire the Saudi Arabian club to a 4-2 victory over Al Ahli on Friday night.

All the goals arrived in a blistering first-half performance from the home side, which propelled them to their seventh consecutive win in the Saudi Arabian Premier League.

For Ighalo, the goals took his tally to 19 in 24 appearances this season in the SAPL, with three assists to his name.

The 32-year-old seems to be answering his critics in the best possible manner as he prepares to link up with the national team, the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, will be hoping that the former Manchester United forward can transfer his club form to the team as they prepare to take on rivals, Ghana's Black Stars, next week in a crucial 2022 WCQ.

While many have questioned his continued inclusion in the team, the 2019 AFCON top scorer has found the best way to reply and keep himself relevant - performing on the pitch.

Ighalo will make his return to the Super Eagles against Ghana after missing out on the AFCON2021 in Cameroon.

Nigeria faces Ghana in Kumasi on the 25th of March before hosting the Black Stars at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja four days later.