Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has questioned whether Victor Osimhen possesses the leadership qualities required to captain Nigeria’s national team, despite acknowledging the striker’s outstanding contributions in a Super Eagles shirt.
The debate over the Super Eagles captaincy intensified after long-serving leaders William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving head coach Eric Chelle to appoint a new permanent captain for a squad rich in experienced players.
Galatasaray forward Osimhen, one of the team’s most influential figures both on the pitch and in the dressing room, was widely viewed as a leading candidate, but Chelle ultimately handed the armband to Wilfred Ndidi, with Osimhen and Moses Simon named vice-captains.
Osimhen has since led the side in AFCON matches against Uganda and Morocco whenever Ndidi was unavailable.
Adepoju, however, insists leadership requires more than footballing ability.
