Big Moves And Big Boosts: Ighalo’s Osimhen Plan Revealed, Ajayi Fitness Update Excites Fans

Former Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo has revealed that he would have preferred Victor Osimhen to join Al-Hilal instead of moving to Turkey last summer.

Osimhen was heavily linked with several top European clubs, while Saudi side Al-Hilal reportedly submitted a €70 million offer to Napoli. However, the Nigerian striker eventually chose to sign for Galatasaray, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his future.

In an interview with Winwin, Ighalo shared his thoughts on the transfer saga, making it clear he favored a move to Saudi Arabia, though he did not criticise Osimhen’s final decision.

“Personally, I would have loved to see him go to Al-Hilal,” Ighalo said. “But Galatasaray is a massive club—the biggest in Turkey. They compete in the Champions League and perform strongly. Maybe not now, but after his time at Galatasaray, he could still make the move to Al-Hilal in the future.”

Elsewhere, Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has provided a positive injury update on Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi.

Ajayi has been out of action since picking up an injury during Nigeria’s third-place match against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, missing Hull’s last six games across all competitions.

According to Hull City Live, Jakirović confirmed: “Semi Ajayi will begin group training with us next week.”

The 32-year-old centre-back, who joined Hull City on a free transfer after departing West Bromwich Albion, has made 12 league appearances this season and scored once.