'NONSENSE advice!' - Nigerians crucify ex-Man United man Ighalo for telling Osimhen to dump Europe for Saudi money

Odion Ighalo’s advice to Victor Osimhen to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia and focus on making money for two years has sparked a heated reaction among Nigerian football fans.

The former Super Eagles striker urged Osimhen to prioritise financial security before returning to Europe, but many supporters strongly disagreed, defending Osimhen’s place in top-tier European football.

Taking to social media, fans expressed frustration with Ighalo’s recommendation. One user wrote, “No, it should be the other way round — play four more years in Europe then retire in China or Arabia.”

Another slammed the advice as the “mentality why average Nigerian players don’t go far in football.”

Many emphasised that Osimhen is entering his prime and should continue competing at the highest level in Europe. Comments included:

“Once he goes there, the European dream is over,” and “Osimhen should be in Europe now, not thinking about Saudi Arabia.”

One fan even called out Ighalo directly: “You’re like a big brother to Victor, and this is the kind of advice you give him?”

However, a section of supporters agreed with Ighalo’s perspective, calling it “the realest advice.” One noted, “Even if he spends four years in Europe, he can still make his mark when he comes back.”

Others pointed out that Ighalo himself successfully returned to Europe after playing in China.

This debate shows a wider tension in Nigerian football circles between prioritising financial gains and maintaining a legacy in Europe’s elite leagues.

Ighalo, recognising this, said Osimhen’s choices are ultimately his own, even though his own opinion might not matter, or he gets crucified.

While Osimhen’s club situation remains uncertain, fans continue to watch closely, divided over whether financial security or maintaining European prominence should be his priority.