Former Nigerian footballer Brown Ideye has voiced his support for players like Victor Osimhen, who are considering moves to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of better financial opportunities.
Amid recent criticism, Ideye emphasized that many footballers prioritize financial stability over trophies, especially those from challenging backgrounds.
Victor Osimhen, currently playing for Napoli, has been linked with a possible transfer to the Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli. Despite previously stating his desire to remain in Europe, Osimhen’s situation at Napoli has shifted.
Under the management of new coach Antonio Conte, he has found himself sidelined, with Conte reportedly not keen on including him in his plans.
This has led to frustration for Osimhen, as top European clubs have been unwilling to meet Napoli’s high asking price of €120 million.
As a result, talks have advanced with Saudi club Al Hilal, sparking debate among fans and media.
Critics argue that a move to Saudi Arabia could be a step down for the 24-year-old, potentially limiting his growth and wasting his talent. However, Ideye, a member of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team, defended Osimhen and others making similar choices.
He took to the social media platform X to remind critics of the reality that footballers face. He stated, “You can’t feed your family with trophy… We want to have all the good things in life and take care of our family.”
Ideye further stressed that players should not pass up opportunities that could set them up financially for life, as football careers can be unpredictable. According to him, not every Nigerian footballer in Europe is earning as much as people assume, especially after taxes.
