Odion Ighalo reacts to Osimhen’s failed Chelsea transfer after admitting to ‘playing football for the money’

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has publicly responded to the news of Victor Osimhen’s failed transfer to Chelsea.

The deal, which seemed nearly complete on transfer deadline day collapsed when Chelsea and Osimhen’s representatives could not agree on terms regarding his wage demands.

Osimhen’s failed move to Chelsea has since sparked significant reactions, particularly from Nigerian fans on social media.

In a recent social media post, Ighalo, voiced his discontent with the public reaction towards Osimhen.

Sharing a photo of Osimhen in a Super Eagles jersey on his Instagram stories, he wrote:

"No human being is perfect and we have all made mistakes in life but seeing comments about this young man from his own country people makes me sad, without even knowing what happened, I spoke to him and I can feel the pain in his voice the way he's been treated

“This young man play with his heart and pains for his country hmm it's well, he will be back stronger. we learn everyday in life... happy new month to y'all."

Ighalo's comments on Osimhen come a year after he made headlines for candidly admitting that his current motivation in football is financial.

Ighalo, one of the richest Nigerian footballers, had previously to OmaSportsTV: "When you are young, yes, you play for passion. Back then, you don't care about money.

“But at my age, I am in the final stretch of my career, I don't know if it will be one, two years or when God will tell it to stop.

“ I know it won't be more than three years. I've played for passion all my life, now it's for money. I'm not one of those players who come and say: 'I play for passion'. Brother, it's money. At the end of the day, it's money."

Meanwhile, Osimhen has been presented with a lucrative contract by Al Ahli, offering €30 million per year over a four-year term, totaling €120 million.

This potential deal would set a new record for the highest-ever contract signed by a Nigerian footballer and place him among the highest-paid athletes from Nigeria.

However, the 25-year-old striker’s relationship with Napoli has reportedly broken down completely.

Pulse Sports earlier reported that Osimhen has been deregistered from the Napoli squad for the season after his failed summer transfer, and his no.9 jersey is set to be handed to their new attacking signing Romelu Lukaku.