Super Eagles: It’s Foolishness – Odemwingie Slams Ighalo Over Osimhen Transfer Advice

Former Super Eagles forward Peter Osaze Odemwingie has criticised Odion Ighalo over his previous advice to Victor Osimhen to leave European football for the Saudi Pro League.

Ighalo made the comments in 2025 when Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal were pushing to trigger Osimhen’s €75 million release clause at Napoli. The Saudi club was also reportedly prepared to offer the Nigerian striker tens of millions of euros annually.

At the time, Ighalo advised Osimhen to consider spending two years in Saudi Arabia, secure his financial future and then return to European football while still in his late 20s.

Osimhen eventually rejected that option and joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal. Odemwingie has now questioned the reasoning behind Ighalo’s recommendation.

Speaking with Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade on the Rash4Christ Podcast, Odemwingie said players who still have the opportunity to compete at the highest level in Europe should not rush to leave simply for financial reasons.

“Go there at the right time, but if you can play in Europe, it’s a joke to go somewhere else. I understand what he’s trying to say, that titles won’t feed his family, but he’s still earning decent money in Europe,” Odemwingie said.

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He continued: “Encouraging someone in his prime to just go for money is foolishness. Top players in the head don’t think that way.” Odemwingie’s comments have reignited the debate over whether established African players should prioritise remaining in European football or pursue the significant financial opportunities available in leagues such as the Saudi Pro League.