Olayinka says Ighalo influenced his move to Saudi club Al Wehda

Nigeria forward Peter Olayinka has revealed that former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo helped convince him to join Saudi Arabian club Al Wehda. Olayinka said Ighalo’s experience with the club influenced his decision after discussions about its plans.

The move takes Olayinka to a side that was relegated from the Saudi Arabian top flight. Ighalo previously played for Al Wehda and was with the club when it suffered relegation from the division.

Olayinka said his decision followed an explanation from Al Wehda’s coach about the club’s project. After that conversation, he contacted Ighalo to gain a player’s perspective on the team and its direction.

According to Olayinka’s account, Ighalo spoke positively about what Al Wehda were building and encouraged him to accept the opportunity. That recommendation became an important part of the forward’s choice to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

Olayinka now wants to use the move to establish himself with the club and contribute to its ambitions. He said his targets are success with the team and helping create a significant history for Al Wehda.

His arrival comes as the Saudi club begins life after relegation from the top tier, giving the transfer a clear rebuilding context. Olayinka’s comments indicate that the club’s planned project, rather than its current top-flight status, was central to his decision.

Ighalo’s connection with Al Wehda has therefore extended beyond his own spell at the club. His assessment of the project provided Olayinka with additional confidence as the Nigerian forward made the move.