Adepoju Questions Osimhen's Captaincy Credentials
Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has explained why he believes Victor Osimhen should not be the captain of the Super Eagles. The ex-Real Madrid midfielder highlighted that leadership requires more than just talent on the pitch.
Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, named Wilfred Ndidi as captain, with Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi as vice-captains ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Osimhen captained the team in Ndidi's absence during matches against Uganda and Morocco.
The leadership changes followed the international retirements of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles finished second behind South Africa in CAF Qualification Group C despite a points deduction imposed on Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player.
Key Leadership Traits
Speaking with PM Parrot, Adepoju said a captain must possess more than footballing ability, stressing that leadership requires discipline and emotional maturity. He stated: "Leadership requires more than talent. A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch. Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead."
Adepoju also criticised Osimhen's reaction toward Ademola Lookman during Nigeria's match against Mozambique. He said: "Everyone may have their own perspective, but I did not approve of the way Victor Osimhen reacted. He should have controlled his emotions. The teammate involved, Ademola Lookman, had even provided him with two assists in that match. Situations like that should not escalate on the field, as both players could have been sent off. Disagreements should be settled in the dressing room."
Journalist Backs Adepoju's View
Nigerian sports journalist Olukayode Raymond believes Victor Osimhen still has room to grow before becoming captain of the Super Eagles. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Raymond described Osimhen as a passionate player fully committed to the team's success but warned that he must learn to manage his emotions better. He said: "Osimhen is a great player both on and off the pitch, but he still lacks some of the qualities required for leadership. A captain must be able to tolerate a lot of things and avoid reacting publicly, as he did during the AFCON. I really hope he works on his temperament because he is a future leader of the Super Eagles, especially when players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon retire."
Osimhen's World Cup Absence Noted
Legit.ng previously reported that former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez believes the ongoing World Cup is missing some of football's biggest stars. The Spaniard specifically mentioned Osimhen among the elite players whose absence has reduced the quality and excitement of the tournament, underlining the impact the Nigerian forward has made in recent years.
