…’ Ndidi’s very calm, but Osimhen is outspoken – Ighalo
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo believes Victor Osimhen would be a better captain of the Nigerian national team than Wilfred Ndidi or any other player in the squad.
The former Manchester United, Al Hilal and Watford forward, who is currently without a club following the expiration of his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda in July, shared his views amid growing discussions over the Super Eagles’ captaincy.
The captaincy became vacant earlier this month after William Troost-Ekong retired from international football, ending a decade-long spell with the national team. While the armband is widely expected to pass to Wilfred Ndidi, who previously deputised for Troost-Ekong, Ighalo believes Osimhen is the ideal choice.
The 36-year-old, who earned 37 caps and scored 16 goals for Nigeria, insists Osimhen’s leadership qualities, confidence and influence on and off the pitch make him the standout candidate.
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“Victor Osimhen should be the next captain – not because he is the oldest player in the team,” Ighalo told ESPN journalist Colin Udoh. “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.”
While acknowledging Ndidi as a strong contender due to his experience and longevity with the national team, Ighalo believes the Besiktas midfielder may be too reserved for the role compared to Osimhen’s outspoken and fearless nature.
“Ndidi is not the talking type. He’s very calm, but Osimhen is outspoken. He speaks on behalf of the team and he knows how to ginger the boys. You’ve seen the way he rallies the players together.
“He will fight for the team and speak to anyone necessary to make sure the boys are okay. Being a captain is not an easy job. Your neck is always on the line because whatever the players demand, the captain takes it to the NFF. And if the federation wants to come for anyone, they go for the captain because he spoke to the press.”
Ighalo added that Osimhen’s status as the team’s biggest star gives him the authority to lead effectively.
“With Victor, I believe he can speak and nothing will happen because he is the biggest player in the team. The boys won’t look down on him because he’s performing at the highest level. When you’re doing well, you have the power to make demands, and he’s in that position.
“He shouldn’t be captain because he’s the oldest or better than everyone else, but because he has the character to step up, speak out, make demands and push the players to get results.
“He will also lead by example. When you see him running, fighting and giving everything on the pitch, others will listen and do the same.”
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