Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
As Nigeria eyes a crucial qualifier, speculation is mounting over who will captain the Super Eagles next. With William Troost‑Ekong dropped from the starting XI, Victor Osimhen – known for his leadership on and off the pitch – is emerging as a strong candidate to don the armband.
According to some insiders, if Wilfred Ndidi is suspended and Ekong remains on the bench, “Victor may wear the armband on Sunday.” His teammates and analysts point to his hunger, vocal presence, and constant drive as hallmarks of a true captain. As one source put it, “He’s a leader on and off the pitch: hungry, vocal, and always ready to push the team forward.”
What’s becoming clear is that whoever leads the side must carry more than just the captain’s badge – they must embody the spirit and pride of Nigeria. “What matters most is that whoever captains the side carries the spirit of Nigeria with pride and responsibility,” the sentiment goes. And from all accounts, the squad remains “united, focused, and ready for the challenge ahead.”
These discussions come against the backdrop of surprising team announcements by Head Coach Eric Chelle. In their World Cup qualifier against Benin, Ekong was left out of the starting XI, as reported by multiple news outlets, replaced by a young defensive pairing.
Against Rwanda, Chelle also omitted Ekong, naming Wilfred Ndidi as captain instead. This suggests a possible shift in leadership dynamics in the Super Eagles camp.
Despite the possible power shuffle, Osimhen has spoken highly of Ekong’s leadership, even from the bench. According to Soccernet NG, he described Ekong as “an amazing leader on and off the pitch,” praising the captain’s constant support for his teammates.
Big Game Looms
The rising debate over captaincy comes ahead of a highly anticipated playoff clash against Gabon, where Osimhen is once again leading the line alongside Akor Adams. With Ekong not starting, pressure mounts on an emerging leader to step up in a must-win moment.
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