Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has voicee his support for a potential Victor Osimhen move to Saudi Arabia, in direct contrast to Sunday Oliseh’s call for the Super Eagles star to chase Premier League glory, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old Osimhen, who enjoyed a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray last season — scoring 37 goals and assisting eight more — is again one of the most talked-about names in world football.
While Europe’s top clubs continue to show interest, the only concrete proposals on the table have come from Galatasaray, keen to sign him permanently, and Saudi giants Al Hilal, who are prepared to offer him a staggering financial package.
Osimhen’s dazzling form has reportedly caught the attention of Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. But with none yet tabling an official offer, the door remains open for a blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League.
That prospect, however, has drawn criticism from former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, who believes Osimhen should target the Premier League to cement his legacy at the highest level of the game.
In an interview with Lagos Talks, Oliseh was emphatic:
“If Osimhen genuinely wishes to remain in the limelight and elevate his career, he must strongly consider making a move to the Premier League. The fans back home want to see him shine on such a prestigious stage.”
Oliseh acknowledged Osimhen’s immense value to Nigerian football but stressed that transitioning to England could be the key to unlocking his full potential:
“To fulfil his potential and achieve greater heights in his career, there are many areas in which he must evolve. Embracing the challenges of the Premier League could provide him the platform to showcase his abilities on a global scale.”
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In contrast, Odion Ighalo — who himself has spent significant time in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal and Al Wahda — has offered a more pragmatic outlook.
The former Watford star insists that Osimhen’s achievements have already validated his talent and that a move to the Middle East would not diminish his career.
Odion Ighalo on Victor Osimhen
“For me, in the world now, you want to mention two strikers, you don’t call his name. It’s impossible. He’s doing so well,” Ighalo told Sportsboom.
He continued:
“It’s not easy… because agent calling every day. People talking in the media… But I think Victor is mentally strong. He has gone through challenges… and he has overcome them.”
Ighalo, who has experienced both European and Saudi football firsthand, believes Osimhen is in a win-win situation regardless of his decision:
“He knows what he wants. I believe he knows what he wants, he is a grown-up guy now. He has worked hard to be where he is today.
If he asks me (to go to Saudi or stay in Europe), yes, I would say, of course, go… Whatever decision he makes, it’s a win-win for him.“If he goes now, if he doesn’t go now, and goes there in 2 years’ time. It’s the same; it doesn’t mean anything.”
Osimhen has already carved out a place in Nigerian football history, becoming the nation’s all-time leading scorer at Galatasaray, winning the Turkish league’s Golden Boot, and previously clinching the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé award during his time at Lille.
He is also the first African to win the Serie A top scorer award with Napoli in 2022/23.