'I will say go' - Al-Hilal alum Ighalo advises mentee Osimhen to consider Saudi switch

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has advised fellow Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen to consider a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, amid persistent transfer speculation surrounding the Napoli star.

The ex-African Footballer of the Year has a mentor-mentee relationship with Ighalo and traveled to Belgium to watch the then Manchester United striker make his European debut against Club Brugge in February 2020. 

Osimhen, who recently enjoyed a strong loan spell at Turkish giants Galatasaray, reportedly turned down a €40 million offer from Al-Hilal ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite the massive financial package on the table, the 26-year-old opted to keep his options open for a possible stay in Europe.

Reacting to the ongoing transfer saga, Ighalo — who previously played for Al-Hilal and remains highly regarded in Saudi football — suggested that if Osimhen were to seek his advice, he would recommend accepting the offer from the Middle East.

"He knows what he wants. He is a grown-up guy now and has worked hard to be where he is now," Ighalo told News Central TV.

"I think he has done well. Whatever decision he makes now, it is a win for him. If he asks me, of course, I will say go. Whatever decision it is a win for him."

"If he goes now or after two years, it is still the same. It doesn't matter because last year they came and he didn't go. They came back this year, and they will still come again."

Osimhen's wage demands have reportedly stalled interest from top European clubs, apart from Galatasaray, prompting criticism from fans who believe the striker should reduce his salary expectations to secure a high-profile European transfer.

Ighalo, however, dismissed the criticism, calling for greater respect for African players and urging fans to understand the value and mental strength of athletes like Osimhen.

"In the world, if you want to mention two strikers and you don't call his name, it is impossible," Ighalo asserted.

"He is doing so well. In Africa, we underrate our own African players and potential.

"If you want to search the world now for a proper goalscorer, tell me two or three. It is not easy, agents calling every day with the media - I think Victor is mentally strong because he has gone through challenges in his life even at his age and he has overcome them."

As the summer transfer window progresses, Osimhen is expected to make a crucial decision about his next career move.
 

Adeyemi Adewale

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