'I've played against Chelsea' - Ighalo in confident mood as Nigeria star helps Al Hilal set CWC record

Odion Ighalo was on target on his competitive debut as Al Hilal came from behind to thrash Al Jazira 6-1 in the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday, helping the Saudi Arabian side set a tournament record in the process.

It was the biggest victory in the tournament's history and Al Hilal's reward is a showdown with European champions Chelsea in the semifinal on Wednesday.

Abdoulay Diaby slotted from close range to open the scoring in the 14th minute but Ighalo headed in to equalise for Al-Hilal in the 36th minute before former West Brom man Matheus Pereira put the visitors ahead five minutes before the break.

Second half goals from Mohammed Kanno, Salem Al Dawsari, Marega and Carrillo earned Al Hilal a comprehensive win.

Ighalo sounded confident ahead of the meeting with Chelsea as he made reference to Al Hilal fans and players wanting to win every game.

"When you think about the teams you are going to face in the Club World Cup, high level and big teams that won in their continent," Ighalo said to FIFA's official website.

"We are going to play against Chelsea, good team which I have played against before so it's one of those highlights in your career that you're always going to cherish after you finish playing football.

"As you know the goal of the team and fans is to win and win because this team don't understand losing. It is to win and hopefully we're going to win and do our best."

Ighalo has made six career appearances against Chelsea, and managed one win in those outings, drawing two and losing the others. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel