Odion Ighalo urges Victor Osimhen to consider future Al Hilal move amid Galatasaray success

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has defended Victor Osimhen’s decision to decline a massive move to the Saudi Pro League, while simultaneously encouraging the former African Footballer of the Year to consider joining Al Hilal later in his career.

Speaking in a recent interview with WinWin, Ighalo emphasized that as players, they must be empowered to make their own choices based on personal goals and professional circumstances.

Ighalo, who enjoyed a prolific stint with Al Hilal, admitted his own bias toward the Riyadh-based giants but maintained that Osimhen’s refusal of their multi-million euro offer was not a mistake.

He suggested that once Osimhen completes his current experience with Galatasaray, a move to the Saudi league could still be a viable and lucrative option in the future.

“Well, this isn’t a mistake. As players, we have to make our own decisions… Personally, because of my fondness for Al Hilal, I would have liked Osimhen to join them.

“Maybe not now, but after his experience with Galatasaray, he can still move to Al Hilal later.”

The veteran forward also took the opportunity to slam critics who labeled Osimhen as “greedy” during the protracted transfer saga with Napoli.

Osimhen is currently thriving at Galatasaray, where he recently led the Turkish side to a dominant 5-2 victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on February 17, 2026.

Despite intense interest from top European clubs like Barcelona and Juventus, Galatasaray has expressed no immediate intention to sell their star man.

Nevertheless, Ighalo believes that “securing the bag” in Saudi Arabia for a few seasons would not end Osimhen’s career but rather provide the financial security that many African players prioritize for their families.