Lagos, July 18, 2025 —
Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has urged Napoli forward Victor Osimhen to consider dumping Europe for a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, emphasizing the financial advantages of playing in the Gulf region.
Speaking during a recent interview, Ighalo, who previously played for Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, described the Middle Eastern league as a golden opportunity for African footballers to achieve long-term financial security. The seasoned striker noted that Osimhen, despite his success in Europe, would benefit immensely from the financial packages offered by top Saudi clubs.
“I’ve played in Europe and I’ve played in Saudi. At the end of the day, it’s not just about playing in the Champions League, it’s about securing your future. If Saudi comes, take the money. Don’t look back,” Ighalo said.
The statement comes amid swirling transfer speculation linking Osimhen with a big-money move to Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and other Saudi Arabian giants. While the 25-year-old Nigerian has remained tight-lipped about his next move, sources close to his camp suggest he’s considering offers from both Europe and the Middle East.
Ighalo, 35, who has also had stints with Manchester United and Watford, argued that African players are often not appreciated enough in Europe despite their contributions, adding that the Saudi League now offers not just big money but high standards of professionalism and global exposure.
Osimhen, who was Serie A’s top scorer in the 2022/2023 season and a key player in Napoli’s title-winning campaign, still has two years left on his contract. However, mounting tensions with club management and missed preseason sessions have fueled exit rumours.
Whether the striker takes Ighalo’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Saudi clubs are watching closely—and are ready to spend big.