As speculation rages over the next choice that would be taken by rave of the moment, Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window, former Super Eagles’ striker, Benedict Akwuegbu has warned him not to accept tempting offers from Saudi Arabia.
Sports247 reports that Akwuegbu, who shot to limelight at the 1989 FIFA U17 World Cup in Scotland then signed for RC Lens of France in 1991, after spending two years with Mighty Jets of Jos, reckoned that Osimhen would lose relevance if he moves out of Europe.
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Akwuegbu, who is now 50 years old and currently the technical adviser at Mighty Jets, opined: “I think it is better that he stays in Europe. He’s one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, and he has done so well. He deserves to play at a big club in Europe.”
Akwuegbu, who went on to play for several clubs in Belgium, starting with Eendracht Aalst in 1992, and then moved to Grazer AK of Austria in 1998, added that Osimhen should think of offers from big football leagues in England, Spain, Italy and France.
‘The Black Bomber,’ who also played for clubs in Switzerland, Greece and China, before hanging his boots at semi-amateur side, Basingstoke of England in 2010, argued further: “For my own opinion, it’s better for him to stay in Italy or play in England, Spain and one of the big clubs in Europe.”
Akwuegbu concluded with a reminder that Osimhen has what it takes to win the African Footballer of The Year award a second time, after first lifting it in 2023, and he could even clinch the Ballon d’Or, but believes moving to Saudi Arabia would scuttle that prospect.
“If he goes for the money, he will not become the best player in the world … he should just forget about it … and he will not win the best African player award again.
“That’s because they don’t rate those leagues (including the one in Saudi Arabia). So, if he wants to remain relevant, he has to play in Europe … then become Africa’s best player again and even world best. Money is not everything,” Akwuegbu submitted.
