Exclusive: Saudi Pro League Move Would Be No Step Down for Victor Osimhen, says Idion Ighalo

In the world of Nigerian football, few voices carry more weight than Odion Ighalo. The former Super Eagles striker, who was once the point man for Manchester United, knows a thing or two about performing at the highest level. 

In an exclusive chat, Ighalo opened up about Victor Osimhen’s meteoric rise, how African talent is often undervalued, and why the Napoli forward deserves to be mentioned among the very best in the game today.

“You Can’t Mention Top Strikers Without Osimhen”

Ighalo doesn’t mince words when asked where Victor Osimhen stands in the hierarchy of modern-day strikers.

"For me, in the world now, you want to mention two strikers, you don't call his name. It's impossible. He's doing so well."

It’s a powerful endorsement from a man who’s seen it all; from the Premier League to the Chinese Super League, Serie A to Saudi Arabia. Osimhen, who won the 2022/23 Capocannoniere as Serie A’s top scorer, continues to attract interest from Europe’s elite and has become Nigeria’s leading attacking force heading into another major tournament cycle.

We Underrate Our Own

While the world is beginning to pay attention to Osimhen’s brilliance, Ighalo believes Africa is still playing catch-up in terms of celebrating its own stars.

"We underrate our own. That's the problem in Africa. We underrate our own African players and potentials."

For Ighalo, this isn’t just about Osimhen. It’s a larger reflection on how African fans and media sometimes fail to champion their talent with the same fervour seen in Europe or South America.

He’s Mentally Strong... He Can Handle the Noise

From transfer speculation to public scrutiny, Osimhen’s name rarely leaves the headlines. But Ighalo is confident his younger compatriot is built for this moment.

"It's not easy... because agent calling every day. People talking in the media... But I think Victor is mentally strong. He has gone through challenges... and he has overcome them."

"He knows what he wants. I believe he knows what he wants, he is a grown up guy now. He has worked hard to be where he is today."

That mental toughness, forged through early setbacks and a relentless hunger to succeed, is part of what makes Osimhen so dangerous on the pitch; and so resilient off it.

If He Asks Me About Saudi, I’ll Say Go

With Saudi clubs ramping up their pursuit of world-class talents, there’s been plenty of chatter about whether Osimhen could eventually follow the footsteps of players like Neymar, Benzema… and yes, Ighalo himself. So what if the Napoli striker came to him for advice?

"If he asks me, yes, I would say, of course, go... Whatever decision he makes, it's a win-win for him."

Ighalo, who became one of the first Nigerian stars to shine in the Saudi Pro League, has no regrets about his move; and sees no shame in Osimhen considering a similar path.

“If he goes now, if he doesn't go now, and goes there in 2 years time. It's the same; it doesn't mean anything."

The Verdict: Osimhen’s Next Step Is His to Choose

Whether Osimhen stays in Europe or makes a bold move elsewhere, Ighalo is confident that the Super Eagles frontman is headed for greatness either way.

He’s already a role model for the next generation. Wherever he goes next; it’s not about proving himself anymore. It’s about writing his own story.

And with AFCON 2025 and World Cup qualifiers looming, that story is far from over.