Odion Ighalo Tells Victor Osimhen: Take the Money and Go to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian clubs have been trying to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen since last year, but he has said no several times.

Now, Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo is advising Osimhen to think again and accept a move to Saudi Arabia.

Osimhen is one of the most wanted players in world football. Since last summer, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and PSG have been interested in him.

Saudi clubs Al Hilal and Al Ahli also tried to sign him, offering around €20 million per year, but Osimhen turned them down. He said he wanted to play for a big club in Europe.

Sadly, that move didn’t happen. Instead, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan last season after having problems at Napoli.

At Galatasaray, he played very well — scoring 37 goals and giving 8 assists in 41 games.

Now, Galatasaray want to keep him, but they haven’t agreed a deal with Napoli yet. Meanwhile, Saudi clubs are still waiting. Al Hilal even increased their offer to €40 million per year, and another club, Neom, may offer even more.

But Osimhen still prefers to stay in Europe. He says he wants to stay at Galatasaray if the club can agree a deal with Napoli.

Ighalo: “Go to Saudi Arabia and Come Back Later”

Odion Ighalo, who now plays in Saudi Arabia and used to play for Manchester United and Watford, says Osimhen should think about his future and accept the big offer.

“My advice to Victor is to go to Saudi Arabia for two years, make good money, and then return to Europe,” Ighalo told the Echo Room.

Ighalo says he went to China when he was 28 to earn money, then came back to play for Manchester United. He thinks Osimhen, who is now 26, can do the same and still return to Europe.

Ighalo is one of the richest Nigerian footballers because he followed the money — first to China, then to Saudi Arabia. He believes Osimhen should do the same to help his family and protect his future.

“In Africa, your money is everyone’s money,” Ighalo said.
“If you get injured and can’t play anymore, the money you made is all you’ll have. He should go to Saudi, make money, and come back later.”

If Osimhen agrees, he could become the highest-paid Nigerian footballer ever. But for now, he is still waiting to see what happens with Galatasaray and Napoli.