Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo backs Victor Osimhen for Super Eagles captaincy ahead of AFCON 2025

Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has backed Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen to become the next captain for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has been forced into a captaincy decision following the retirement of defender William Troost-Ekong.

Despite being named in the Super Eagles, the experienced defender, who plies his trade in Saudi Arabia opted to end his international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the national team.

Amid growing concerns regarding Nigeria captaincy ahead of the tournament, the former Manchester United, Al Hilal, and Watford forward has backed Osimhen to lead the national team at the AFCON, rating him ahead of Wilfred Ndidi and other senior players in the squad.

While Wilfred Ndidi is widely expected to step into the role after previously deputizing for Troost-Ekong, Ighalo believes Osimhen is better suited to lead the team going forward.

“Victor Osimhen should be the next captain – not because he is the oldest player in the team,” Ighalo said. “There are older players like Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Chidozie Awaziem.

“There are many players ahead of him in terms of age, but Osimhen is in his prime and he dares to demand what he wants.” He told ESPN.

Ighalo is currently without a club after his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda expired in July.

The 35th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21 through to January 18, 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December, before taking on Tunisia on 27 December and rounding off the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.