‘It’s foolishness’ — Odemwingie slams Ighalo’s Saudi advice to Osimhen

Former Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie has lashed out at Odion Ighalo for urging Victor Osimhen to consider a move to Saudi Arabia last year.

Ighalo made the recommendation in July 2025, when Osimhen was deciding on his next move following an outstanding loan spell at Galatasaray, with the Super Eagles striker weighing up whether to make the move permanent or return to the Saudi Pro League’s financial alure instead.

According to reports, Saudi clubs, including Al-Hilal, had been pushing to trigger Osimhen’s release clause and lure him away from European football with staggering financial packages.

Odion Ighalo, who plies his trade for Al-Wehda in the Saudi league, urged his countryman to accept a Saudi move, drawing on his own experience of leaving Europe for China before later returning to join Manchester United, and argued Osimhen could do the same: secure his financial future for two years before returning to Europe.

Osimhen, however, opted to make his move to Galatasaray permanent, remaining in European football.

Sharing his thoughts on the past development, Peter Odemwingie slammed Ighalo for encouraging a player in his prime to choose money over career.

“That is a defence mode, I’ll tell you straight away,” the former West Brom striker told Rasheedat Ajibade on the Rash4Christ Podcast.

“But he knows his body, and what his body allows him to do.

“I understand what he’s trying to say, that titles won’t feed his family, but he’s still earning decent money in Europe.

“Encouraging someone in his prime to just go for money is foolishness.

“Top players in the head don’t think that way,” Odemwingie said.