As Osimhen faces one of the most crucial moments of his career, Ighalo has offered words of encouragement to his Super Eagles successor.
Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli remains uncertain as the transfer window continues to progress.
The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker has been linked with multiple high-profile clubs this summer, including PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal and a few others.
Despite these links, Napoli is still yet to agree a deals with any of the interested parties.
The ongoing uncertainty has left Osimhen navigating a complex transfer landscape as he has already been exiled from pre-season preparations under new manager Antonio Conte.
Amid speculation over Osimhen’s future, former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has publicly extended his support to the reigning African player of the year.
The two Super Eagles stars reunited in Lagos in June for the summer break, and their interaction caught the attention of fans and media alike.
Ighalo, one of the richest footballers in Nigeria, took to his Instagram page to share a motivational message directed at Nigeria’s highest paid.
He wrote: “Champions aren’t born, they are built. They grind. They push. They take every defeat, every setback and turn it into stepping stone.”
Osimhen in turn responded positively to Ighalo’s words by reposting the message on his Instagram stories, expressing his gratitude through appreciative emojis.
Known for his role as a mentor to Osimhen, Ighalo continues to remain a foster figure in the life of the Napoli star, offering encouragement to him during this period of uncertainty surrounding his career.
Osimhen is still expected to leave Napoli this summer, with Chelsea reportedly willing to consider a deal that will include their forgotten striker Romelu Lukaku.
According to reports, Chelsea are looking to sign Osimhen on a loan deal this summer but will only consider a permanent transfer if the Nigeria international can lower his wage demands.
The Blues are hoping to include Lukaku in a potential deal for Osimhen, amid reports that the Serie A club have prioritized the signing of the Belgian striker.
Real Madrid new boy Kylian Mbappe marked his debut for Los Blancos with a fine finish to seal a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final.
The 25-year-old France captain started in the centre-forward position, in front of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
Much is expected of one of football’s biggest stars, and he quickly showed why the Spanish giants coveted him for almost 5 years.
Speaking after the game, Mbappe spoke of his joy at opening his account for Real;
“It’s a magical night. Always dreaming about this time of night, and now it is a reality. To play for this club, the best club in the world, is something crazy.