Former Nigerian international Odion Ighalo has endorsed Victor Osimhen as the ideal successor to William Troost‑Ekong as captain of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Troost‑Ekong’s recent retirement from international football has sparked a debate over who should assume the captaincy. While midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is widely regarded as a strong contender, Ighalo believes Osimhen’s leadership qualities make him the better choice.
According to Ighalo, Osimhen’s outspoken nature and ability to articulate himself would make him an effective captain. “Osimhen is going to speak on behalf of the team, he is going to ginger the boys, he’s going to fight for the boys,” Ighalo said in an interview. He added that Osimhen’s status as a key player would command respect from both the squad and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), enabling him to communicate the team’s needs and concerns effectively.
Ighalo acknowledged that the captaincy carries significant responsibilities, including representing the team’s interests to the NFF and leading the resolution of issues. Nevertheless, he believes Osimhen is well‑equipped to handle these challenges. “With Osimhen, he will speak and nothing can happen because he’s the biggest player in the team, so they won’t want to look down on him; they will listen to him because he’s doing well,” Ighalo explained.
The Super Eagles are expected to announce their new captain in the coming months as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Eric Chelle and his staff will likely consider factors such as player leadership, experience, and team dynamics in making their decision. As the team looks to the future, Osimhen’s candidacy for the captaincy will be closely watched by fans and observers alike.
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