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Soccer News of Monday, 16 October 2023

Source: soccernet.ng

Okocha reveals why Napoli star Victor Osimhen should have accepted Saudi Arabia’s mega offer

Jay-Jay Okocha & Victor Osimhen Jay-Jay Okocha & Victor Osimhen

Former PSG midfielder Austin Jay Jay Okocha has expressed his discontent with the decision of Napoli’s forward, Victor Osimhen, to reject a significant offer from the Saudi Pro League.

After an excellent third season in the Italian Serie A, Osimhen became the toast of half of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The Super Eagles striker scored 31 goals in all competitions as Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years and reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in history.

Osimhen was subsequently linked to the continent’s wealthiest clubs, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich all placing him on their wishlist.

But despite PSG offering €100 million for Osimhen, Napoli refused to sanction his departure, with the club insisting there would be no negotiation unless their €200 million valuation of the player was met.

Seemingly out of the blue, Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal submitted an outrageous bid to Napoli and offered to make Osimhen the best-paid African footballer in history.

While many Nigerians, including his family members – according to reports – wanted Osimhen to accept the offer and leave Napoli, the 24-year-old decided to stay in Naples.

However, Okocha has revealed his displeasure at seeing his younger compatriot wave Al-Hial’s offer goodbye.

While admitting that the decision is Osimhen’s to make, Okocha is quick to highlight the financial benefits the Napoli striker could have enjoyed in Saudi Arabia.

“It doesn’t make sense to me, but it is his decision, but if I am given such an offer, I will go without hesitation,” Okocha said, as per the New Telegraph.

“As an African, you can fill your cabinet with trophies, but if you can’t feed yourself, nobody will appreciate those laurels you have gathered.

“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, you have to be your own government; to provide for everything you need, or else, you will be a liability.”

Despite having to navigate some avoidable controversies in Naples so early in the season, Osimhen has managed to score six goals in eight Serie A games.