Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has revealed he would have preferred to see fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen join Al-Hilal rather than move to Galatasaray. During the summer transfer window, Al-Hilal reportedly submitted a €70 million bid to Napoli for Osimhen, but the striker ultimately opted to sign with the Turkish champions.
Speaking to Winwin, Ighalo, who previously played for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, acknowledged that the final decision rested with Osimhen, though he admitted he had hoped the striker would choose the Saudi club. “These are not mistakes because, as players, we have to make our own decisions,” Ighalo said. “For me, I wished he had gone to Al-Hilal. But Galatasaray is a big club—the biggest in Turkey. They play in the Champions League and perform well. Most importantly, he is doing well there.”
The former Manchester United forward explained that his preference was influenced by his fondness for Al-Hilal. “Out of love for Al-Hilal, one of the clubs I played for in Saudi Arabia, I hoped Osimhen would join them. Maybe not now, but after his time with Galatasaray, he could still make that move in the future,” he added.
