Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has criticized Nigerians for their lack of support for Victor Osimhen during his recent transfer saga with Napoli. Osimhen’s failed deadline-day moves to Chelsea and Al Ahli resulted in his immediate exclusion from the team and the transfer of his No. 9 jersey to Romelu Lukaku.
Napoli has confirmed that Osimhen is not part of Antonio Conte’s plans, though a transfer to a non-European club remains possible. Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna has stated that Osimhen is not currently interested in a move to Saudi Arabia.
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Despite agreeing on a transfer fee with Napoli, Osimhen seemed reluctant to join Saudi Arabia, despite the lucrative offer. When talks with Chelsea fell through, it appeared that Osimhen would return to Napoli, but the club subsequently banned him from the team.
Ighalo has strongly condemned the online criticism directed at Osimhen, particularly from his fellow Nigerians, arguing that the 25-year-old does not deserve such insults.
“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 really sad, without even knowing what happened,” the former Manchester United striker wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“I spoke to him and I can feel the pain in his voice, the way he’s been treated, this young man plays with heart and pain for his country, Hmmm it’s well, he will definitely be back stronger, we learn every day in life, Happy New Month to y’all.”
Osimhen is contracted to Napoli until June 2026, he signed an extension in December with a reported release clause of €130 million. Despite being frozen out of the club, the Italian side will continue to pay his huge wage bill until he finds a new team.
He had contributed 26 goals two seasons ago to help Napoli claim their first Scudetto title in 33 years and also led them to reaching their first quarter-final berth in the UEFA Champions League.
