By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles ace Odion Ighalo failed to score on a day his club Al Hilal put on spirited efforts, but eventually succumbed to Real Madrid firepower in the final of the FIFA club World Cup.
The match played in Morocco produced Real Madrid as this year’s champions after a 5-3 victorious display.
This result saw Real Madrid secure their fifth FIFA Club World Cup, two ahead of rivals Barcelona in second place.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real added to their four cups from 2014 to 2018 – and ensured European teams have won the past 10 editions of the tournament.
They had brushed off Egyptian side Al Ahly 4-1 in the semi-finals, the round the European champions always enter the tournament.
Asian champions Al-Hilal, who are managed by former Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz, beat Brazilians Flamengo in the semis to become the first Saudi team to reach the final.
But despite the double from former Fulham striker Vietto they could not become the first Asian team to lift the trophy.
Chelsea won last year’s final but were not able to defend it as only reigning continental champions – and champions of the host country – are invited.
Already, global football body, FIFA, is making plans to change the format of the tournament from June 2025 to feature 32 teams.
The switch in plans will see the competition hold every four years, like the World Cup itself
