Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared his thoughts on what it’s like to be one of the leaders among the current crop of players in the Nigeria national team, Footynaija.com reports.
Just before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations began, the erstwhile captain of the Super Eagles William Troost-Ekong suddenly called time on his international career, leaving the team in need of a new set of leaders.
In response, head coach Eric Chelle named vastly experienced midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as the new Super Eagles skipper and selected Osimhen as the Besiktas star’s second-in-command.
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During the tournament in Morocco, Osimhen led the Super Eagles as captain on two occasions. First in the third group stage game against Uganda and then against hosts Morocco in the semi-final.
Reflecting on his role as vice captain, Osimhen expressed gratitude to head coach Chelle for trusting him before going on to stress that leadership within the Super Eagles goes beyond having the arm band as the entire squad is usually involved.
“I have to say a very big thank you to the coach for his trust in me to be the vice captain to Wilfred,” the 27-year-old striker told TVC.
“For me I’ve said it many times that I don’t need a captain’s arm band to try to help my team, to try to lead. I think I’ve gained much experience to be able to do so.
“It’s not just about Osimhen [when it comes to leaders in the squad]. I mean we have [Ademola] Lookman, Alex [Iwobi], Calvin [Bassey], Semi [Ajayi], and even Simon [Moses]. These guys have what it takes to be leaders in the team.
“Every time for each game, we always appoint someone to speak before we go out for the kick-off so everyone is involved. Not just Wilfred, not just Osimhen.”
Osimhen has since rejoined his club Galatasaray and even featured in their gritty 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League during mid-week.
