Former Super Eagles striker Jude Odion Ighalo has publicly endorsed Victor Osimhen as the right man to captain Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following William Troost Ekong’s retirement from international football.
Troost Ekong’s decision to step aside, despite initially being named in the provisional squad, has created a leadership gap in the Super Eagles camp and ignited discussions over who should take over the armband. While established figures such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Chidozie Awaziem are all considered strong contenders, Ighalo believes Osimhen stands out for reasons that go beyond age or seniority.
Speaking in an interview with veteran journalist Colin Udoh, Ighalo stressed that leadership is not determined by who has been around the longest but by character, courage and presence within the team.
“Victor, I will give you my reason why, not because he is the oldest player in the team, because there are people ahead of him. Simon is older, Ndidi, Iwobi, I think Awaziem, so there are people ahead of him,” he said.
Ighalo explained that Osimhen possesses a bold and outspoken personality that naturally fits the captain’s role. According to him, while Ndidi is calm and reserved, Osimhen has the confidence to speak up, challenge situations and stand up for his teammates when needed.
“Because now Osimhen is doing well and he is in his time, he has the balls to demand. Ndidi is not the talking type. Ndidi is a very calm down but Osimhen is outspoken, he is going to speak on behalf of the team,” he explained.
“He is going to ginger the boys, you see in the games sometimes he will say common, sometimes you see him talking loud, he is going to fight for the boys, he is going to speak to anybody he needs to speak to, to make sure they are okay.”
The former Manchester United forward also highlighted the pressure that comes with the captaincy, noting that the skipper acts as the link between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation and often carries the burden when issues arise.
“This captain job is not easy because your neck is on the line because whatever the boys demand it is you that would put it to the NFF. And if NFF want to come they are coming for you because you are the captain and the one that said it to the press or in public.”
Ighalo believes Osimhen’s status as one of the team’s biggest stars gives him added authority, making it harder for anyone to dismiss his voice within the squad or at administrative level.
“With him, I believe he is going to speak and nothing can happen because he is one of the biggest, if not the biggest player in that team. So, they won’t want to look down on him, or talk down on him, they will listen to him.
“Because, he is doing well, when you are doing well you have every power, control, to demand for stuff, omething and he is in that position not because he is the oldest in the team or better than others but I believe he has that character to speak and demand things and ginger the players, and can shout.”
Beyond leadership off the pitch, Ighalo also pointed to Osimhen’s work rate and commitment during matches, saying his energy and fighting spirit naturally inspire teammates to raise their standards.
“Even at his age, he can advice the team and talk to them because when you see somebody like him, hustling, running, and fighting, you as a player you want to work hard because he is not just talking from mouth he is showing it in the pitch, so you will listen and do too,” he concluded.
Nigeria are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania as they aim to win a fourth AFCON title and restore pride after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
