Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - Former Nigerian international, Christian Obodo has advised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to either remain in Europe or consider the lucrative offer from Saudi club Al Hilal.
Obodo gave this counsel amid the ongoing uncertainty
surrounding Osimhen's future, following his reported rejection of a big-money
move to the Saudi Pro League. Al Hilal had agreed to meet the striker’s €75
million release clause and reportedly offered a salary of around €30 million
per year. However, Osimhen declined the offer.
After spending the season on loan at Turkish side
Galatasaray, Osimhen has returned to Napoli. He is expected to leave the
Italian club during the summer transfer window, and with the Saudi move
apparently off the table, a potential transfer within Europe may be back in
consideration.
Speaking to Brila FM, Obodo urged Osimhen to make a decision
he won’t regret later in his career.
“I know
Osimhen would still like to play European football and achieve a lot, but the
clause Napoli placed on him and his high wages are scaring clubs away. These
clubs don’t want to make a decision that could backfire,” said the former
Fiorentina midfielder.
Obodo also criticized how Nigerian players are often
undervalued compared to their counterparts from other nations.
“Nigeria
does not package their players well. If Osimhen were Brazilian, top European
clubs would have signed him already. The way some Nigerians talk about their
own players is not fair,” he added.
“For me,
it’s up to Osimhen to decide — either compromise to stay in Europe or go to Al
Hilal for the financial reward. Whatever he chooses, we should just hope he
doesn’t make a decision he’ll later regret,” Obodo concluded.
0 Comments