Former Super Eagles striker Peter Osaze Odemwingie has criticised Odion Ighalo’s advice to Victor Osimhen to leave European football for the Saudi Pro League.
Ighalo had advised Osimhen in 2025 to consider a move to Saudi Arabia, secure his financial future and return to Europe later in his career. Odemwingie has now questioned that approach, arguing that a player in his prime should continue competing at the highest level.
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Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Odemwingie said Ighalo’s advice was more about protecting himself than what was best for Osimhen.
Ighalo argued Osimhen to spend two years in Saudi Arabia, make significant money and then return to Europe. He used his own career as an example, having moved from Watford to China before eventually joining Manchester United on loan in 2020.
Osimhen eventually chose to remain in European football, joining Galatasaray permanently from Napoli in 2025. He signed a four-year contract with the Turkish club after his successful loan spell.
The striker has continued to attract major interest from Saudi Arabia. In August 2026, Al-Hilal were reported to have made a huge approach for Osimhen, with reports putting the offer at €130 million. Galatasaray rejected the approach and maintained that they did not want to sell the Nigerian forward.
Osimhen remains at Galatasaray, where his contract runs until 2029. The Nigerian striker has continued to be one of the club’s key players.
Odemwingie’s comments have therefore reopened the debate over whether players in their prime should prioritise competing at the highest level in Europe or take major financial offers from leagues outside Europe.
