“We learn every day” – Ex-Man United striker defends Osimhen, expresses disappointment over criticism from Nigerians

Former Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo has criticised Nigerian football fans for their harsh judgement of Super Eagles attacker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

During the 2024 summer transfer window, Osimhen was at the centre of a transfer tussle involving Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and several Saudi clubs, all vying for his signature.

Osimhen's failure to secure a transfer this summer has sparked mixed reactions within the Nigerian football community, with some fans criticising the Napoli forward for not taking the opportunity to move when he could.

Ighalo, now playing for Al-Wehda and a mentor to Osimhen within Nigerian football, has come to his defence, condemning Nigerian fans for not supporting one of their own.

“No human being is perfect, and we have all made mistakes in life. But seeing comments about this young man from his own countrymen makes me really sad. Without even knowing what happened, I spoke to him, and I could feel the pain in his voice from the way he's been treated. This young man plays with heart and pain for his country. Hmmm, it's well. He will definitely come back stronger. We learn every day in life. Happy New Month to y'all,” Ighalo said.

Following the failed move from the Diego Maradona Stadium, the Super Eagles star has been excluded from Antonio Conte's first-team squad, and there is a possibility that he might not play for Napoli’s first team again until he secures a move to another club.