Former Super Eagles striker Odion Jude Ighalo has offered a strong piece of advice to Nigerian goal machine Victor Osimhen, urging the Napoli forward to embrace a move to Saudi Arabia in order to secure long-term financial stability before considering a return to Europe.
In a candid message shared via Echo Room, Ighalo—who has had stints in China, Europe, and more recently, the Saudi Pro League—highlighted the financial and career benefits of a temporary switch to the Middle East.
“My advice to Osimhen is to go to Saudi Arabia. He should play there for two years, earn enough money, and then return to Europe.”
Ighalo drew from personal experience, referencing his own journey which saw him leave European football for a lucrative spell in China, only to later return to Manchester United at the age of 30.
“I played football in China for years and still returned to Europe to play for Manchester United. Osimhen is only 26. If he plays in Saudi Arabia for two years, he’ll be 28 and can still return to Europe to play for another five years if he wants to.”
The 2023 African Footballer of the Year has been at the centre of transfer speculation, with reports linking him to top clubs in Europe as well as big-money offers from Saudi Arabia. While many fans and pundits debate the sporting merit of such a move, Ighalo’s perspective leans heavily on the African reality—highlighting the cultural and financial expectations placed on footballers from the continent.
“He must remember that big players like Ronaldo and Messi are not Africans; their money is theirs to spend. But in Africa, our money often doesn’t belong to us alone—many people expect to share in our earnings.”
Ighalo’s comments reflect a broader conversation surrounding African athletes and the unique pressures they face off the pitch. His remarks are likely to stir debate among fans and observers, especially as Osimhen weighs his next move following a stellar season in Italy.
As the transfer window continues to heat up, all eyes remain on Victor Osimhen—whether he chooses the bright lights of Saudi Arabia or continues his European adventure, the football world will be watching.
