Nigeria’s current top scorer has named Real Madrid Karim Benzema the best striker in the world.

Ighalo, who plays for Asian champions Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, could be on the shortlist to face the reigning European champions in the FIFA Club World Cup. He has taken the opportunity to praise Benzema, who recently received the Ballon d’Or.

Ighalo is a big fan of the Frenchman and has said he was happy to see Benzema win the awards his overall game deserves.

Speaking to FIFA ahead of preparations for the Club World Cup scheduled for February, Ighalo said: “For me, right now, he is [Benzema] the best striker [in the world]. It has been amazing in the last two years. I am very happy that he has been winning awards.”

Ighalo, who has already scored nine goals in 13 games for Al Hilal this season, will hope to add to that tally when the Club World Cup kicks off on February 1, 2023 in Morocco.

The former Manchester United striker has scored in five successive games for Al Hilal and is confident that heading into the Club World Cup he can challenge Benzema for top honors and make history with his last club.

His Al Hilal team will have to compete with Real Madrid, Seattle Sounders, Flamengo, Wydad Casablanca, Al-Ahly and Benzema’s Aukland City for the Club World Cup title.