Shenhua Showdown: Martins Eyes 17th Goal in 40th Game, Ighalo Aims for 16th in 28 Matches as CSL Season Kicks Off

In a highly anticipated clash marking the commencement of the Chinese Super League (CSL), seasoned strikers Obafemi Martins and Odion Ighalo are set to spearhead Shanghai Shenhua and Changchun Yatai, respectively, at the HongKou Football Stadium on Friday.

Obafemi Martins, entering his 40th CSL appearance for Shanghai Shenhua, is poised to build on an impressive record of 16 goals from his 39 previous league outings. The Nigerian forward, who joined the club in 2016 from Seattle Sounders, boasts an overall tally of 29 goals and eight assists in 55 games across various competitions.

Having participated in three official matches before the CSL opener, including two in the Asian Champions League and one in the Chinese Super Cup, Martins is determined to kickstart the season on a triumphant note against Changchun Yatai.

On the opposing end, Odion Ighalo, Changchun Yatai’s leading scorer from the previous season, eyes a prolific start to his second CSL campaign. Despite a slow beginning last year, the former Watford striker concluded the season with a commendable 15 goals in 27 league games, securing the eighth spot on the CSL’s top scorer list. Changchun Yatai finished seventh in the CSL table last season.

As the CSL season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the clash between these Super Eagles strikers, with Martins and Ighalo aiming to make their mark in what promises to be an enthralling showdown.