"Ignore Europe" - Former Super Eagles Star Advises Osimhen to Secure Financial Future with Saudi Move Before Turning 30

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has offered clear and financially driven advice to his younger compatriot, Victor Osimhen, urging him to consider a switch to the Saudi Pro League. The Nigerian forward, who remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, is facing a period of uncertainty regarding his next career move.

Osimhen, currently at Napoli, recently made headlines after the Italian side reportedly turned down a €75 million offer from Turkish champions Galatasaray. Despite that rejection, speculation about his future continues to swirl, especially as major European and Middle Eastern clubs monitor his availability. The striker’s exceptional record of 37 goals in 41 appearances during his loan spell has intensified the demand for his signature.

Odion Ighalo, a seasoned striker who once led the line for Manchester United, weighed in on the debate during a candid interview with Echo Room. Drawing from his own career journey, he advised Osimhen to follow a similar path by first focusing on financial stability through a move to the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia.

According to Ighalo, now is the right time for Osimhen to secure a lucrative contract in the Saudi Pro League. The league has become an attractive destination for top-tier players in recent years, offering enormous salaries that rival and even surpass what’s offered in top European leagues.

“My advice to Victor Osimhen is to go to Saudi Arabia for two years to make money,” Ighalo stated during the interview. “Then he can come back to Europe.”

This recommendation isn’t just speculative. Ighalo has lived the reality of making a financially motivated move before returning to the top level. He spent three years in the Chinese Super League before pulling off what many considered an unlikely return to European football, eventually signing for Manchester United at the age of 30.

“I went to China for three years, then returned to play for Manchester United. All odds were against me at the time, I was 30 years old,” Ighalo explained.

He emphasized that Osimhen is still at a favorable age to make such a career decision. At 26, Osimhen has several prime years ahead. The Nigerian striker could, as Ighalo put it, spend two years in Saudi Arabia, enjoy the financial rewards, and still have ample time to compete at the highest levels of European football upon his return.

“Victor Osimhen is 26. In two years, he’ll be 28. He can still play in Europe for another five years if he wants,” Ighalo added.

This piece of advice reflects a growing trend among footballers globally. A number of high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté, have joined Saudi clubs in the past year. For many, the appeal lies not just in the salaries but in the chance to experience a different footballing culture while maintaining personal and professional stability.

While Osimhen has yet to speak publicly about his plans, the interest in his services continues to grow. Napoli are reportedly holding out for a higher offer, possibly closer to his €120 million release clause. But with the Saudi Pro League showing a consistent appetite for marquee names, it remains a real possibility that a suitable offer could arrive sooner rather than later.

For now, fans and pundits alike are left watching and waiting. Will Osimhen follow in Ighalo’s footsteps and seize a financial opportunity abroad? Or will he double down on competing in the UEFA Champions League, continuing his rise among Europe’s elite?

One thing is clear. With advice coming from a seasoned international like Ighalo, and with age still on his side, Osimhen has the chance to balance financial success with long-term footballing ambition. Whether he stays in Europe or takes a lucrative detour through the Middle East, the next chapter in Osimhen’s career promises to be a defining one.