Osaze Odemwingie Calls Ighalo's Saudi Advice for Osimhen 'Foolishness'

Peter Osaze Odemwingie, a former Super Eagles attacker, has vehemently condemned fellow ex-international Odion Ighalo's counsel to Galatasaray's prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, regarding a potential move from European football to the Saudi Pro League.

Ighalo had previously advocated for Osimhen to consider highly lucrative proposals from clubs in Saudi Arabia, such as Al-Hilal's reported efforts to activate his former release clause. Ighalo's rationale was that a brief period in the Middle Eastern league could secure Osimhen's financial future, allowing him to potentially return to Europe in his late twenties. However, Osimhen ultimately made the decision to join Galatasaray on a permanent transfer.

During an appearance on the Rash4Christ Podcast, where he featured alongside Super Falcons skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, Odemwingie rejected the reasoning behind Ighalo's advice. He stressed that a player's prime years should be dedicated to pursuing elite sporting ambitions rather than focusing solely on quick financial rewards. Odemwingie stated directly:

“Go there at the right time, but if you can play in Europe, it’s a joke to go somewhere else. 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.”