Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has thrown his support behind Victor Osimhen as the next captain of Nigeria’s national team following the retirement of William Troost-Ekong from international football.
Troost-Ekong, who led the Super Eagles in recent years, recently announced his decision to step away from the national team, opening the door for a new leader. Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been widely tipped as a leading candidate for the role.
However, Ighalo believes Osimhen possesses the leadership qualities and personality required to captain the Super Eagles.
“There are several players ahead of him in terms of seniority, but Osimhen is doing well now, and he has the courage to demand what the team wants,” Ighalo told ESPN journalist Colin Udoh.
He explained that while Ndidi is calm and reserved by nature, Osimhen’s outspoken character makes him better suited to represent the players’ interests.
“Ndidi is not the talking type. He’s very calm. But Osimhen is outspoken. He will speak on behalf of the team, ginger the boys, fight for them, and talk to anybody he needs to talk to to make sure they are okay,” Ighalo said.
The former Manchester United striker also highlighted the pressures that come with the captaincy, especially in dealings with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“The captain’s job is not easy. Your neck is on the line because whatever the boys demand, you’re the one that presents it to the NFF. And if the NFF wants to come for anybody, they come for the captain,” he added.
According to Ighalo, Osimhen’s status as the team’s biggest star gives him the authority to lead without fear.
“With Osimhen, he will speak, and nothing will happen because he’s the biggest player on the team. They will listen to him because he’s doing well. When you’re performing, you have the power to demand things,” he said.
Ighalo concluded that Osimhen’s work rate and passion on the pitch naturally command respect among his teammates.
“He has the character to step up and demand for the team. You see him hustling and showing it on the pitch, so players will listen to him and also fight for the team.”
