Odemwingie went on to argue that top players do not leave European football for the Saudi Arabian league in their prime.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Super Eagles forward, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, has said the advice by another ex-Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo, for Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, to leave European football for the Saudi Pro League in his prime was not a good one.
He made this known recently while appearing as a guest on the latest edition of Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s podcast show, ‘Rash4Christ’.
In 2025, during an interview, Ighalo urged Osimhen to join Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal, after they pushed to trigger his €75 million release clause at Napoli.
Apart from this, the Asian outfit were also willing to pay the 27-year-old tens of millions of euros per year.
Although the Nigerian star eventually opted to join Galatasaray on a permanent deal, Ighalo said Osimhen could spend two years in Saudi Arabia, secure his financial future, and later return to Europe while in his late 20s.
Reacting to the suggestion on the show, Odemwingie questioned the logic behind Ighalo’s recommendation.
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According to him, top players do not leave European football for the Saudi Arabian league in their prime.
“Go there at the right time, but if you can play in Europe, it’s a joke to go somewhere else,” Odemwingie said.
He added, “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.”
