Ekong Backs Osimhen to Captain Super Eagles

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Victor Osimhen is “a real leader” who will go on to captain the Super Eagles, according to the man who currently wears the team’s captain armband, William Troost-Ekong.

“He’s a great teammate, in front of the goal he can be very greedy, but he’s someone who speaks up for the team in the changing room, he’s a real leader and I’m sure he’ll be captain soon,” Ekong told BBC’s Talksport.

Continuing, the Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia Pro League side said: “The first time he joined us was in 2019 as the understudy to Odion Ighalo, but during the training we were so impressed.

“He always plays like it’s his last game of football, chasing down every ball and going for every header.

“Everything that looks like it shouldn’t be a chance, he makes it a chance, I think he’s one of the most feared strikers to play against,” recalled Ekong.

Having led Napoli to a first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023 with 26 league goals, Osimhen reportedly signed a bumper contract at the club to get them full value when an eventual sale came.

However, with Napoli all over the place the following campaign, suitors quickly dried up, and new manager Antonio Conte wanted a reunion with Romelu Lukaku for the 2024/25 season.

Osimhen had previously been linked to Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, but Troost-Ekong believes if the move does finally materialise, even as soon as January, his countryman is clear about where he wants to end up.

“I can tell you he’s a Chelsea fan, I can confirm that,” he revealed