Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has faced heavy criticism from Nigerian football fans after advising Victor Osimhen to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia and “secure the bag” before returning to Europe later.
Ighalo argued that Osimhen should prioritize financial stability over competing in elite European football.
But fans weren’t having it.
‘Mentality That Holds Us Back’ – Fans Defend Osimhen’s European Career
Many Nigerians expressed anger on social media, insisting Osimhen—still in his prime years—must remain at the top level.
📣 Fan reactions:
“No, it should be the other way round—four more years in Europe, then retire in Saudi.”
“This is the mentality why average Nigerian players don’t go far in football.”
“Once he goes there, the European dream is over.”
Another fan directly called Ighalo out:
“You’re like a big brother to Victor, and this is the kind of advice you give him?”
Some Fans Support Ighalo’s Pragmatism
Not everyone disagreed. A few fans sided with Ighalo, calling his words “realistic” given football’s short career span.
Al Wehda star Odion Ighalo wants to see Osimhen in Saudi
One said,
“Even if Osimhen spends two years in Saudi, he’ll still be remembered in Europe.”
They also pointed out that Ighalo himself played in China and Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe with Manchester United, proving it’s not the end of a European career.
Legacy vs. Money Debate
The debate highlights a bigger dilemma for African footballers—should they chase European legacy or secure generational wealth?
Osimhen, Napoli’s talisman, has yet to decide his future amid links to Arsenal, PSG, and Saudi clubs.
