Fans want Osimhen to replace Ekong as Eagles’ captain

Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit: Touchline

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Nigerian football fans have called for Victor Osimhen to be named Super Eagles captain following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement from international football, with many citing the striker’s leadership qualities and crucial influence on the team, Saturday PUNCH reports.

The 2023 African Player of The Year also scored a brace on Friday as Galatasaray secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Samsunspor to maintain their push at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring midway through the first half, finishing clinically after latching onto a well-placed through ball from Leroy Sané. Osimhen then doubled his tally after the break with a spectacular bicycle kick, restoring Galatasaray’s lead and ultimately sealing all three points for the league leaders.

The win keeps Galatasaray firmly in the title race as Osimhen continues to impress for the Istanbul giants.

Following Troost-Ekong’s retirement announcement on Thursday, several fans and analysts took to social media to advocate for Osimhen’s appointment as the new captain.

Popular sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel wrote, “After the AFCON in Morocco, a few members of the team will retire. We must start afresh after the AFCON & build a winning squad for the 2027 AFCON. The decision to start afresh and a rebuilding process should start with Victor Osimhen being named as captain in Morocco.”

Sports enthusiast Fisayo Dairo added, “Thanks for the memories, Ekong. You leave us with not coming in to play a PK against Congo DR, the time your leadership is needed most. Good time to leave before the fading ovation turns to contempt. I hope the NFF act well for once and announce Osimhen as (the) next captain.”

Another fan, Uzochi, stated, “I’ll keep saying it. Osimhen should be the Super Eagles captain. He is a leader.”

Omobolaji added, “Osimhen should be the next captain. He has the capacity to drive the team to success. The captainship band will bring more dedication out of him.”

The growing support for Osimhen’s captaincy comes amid widespread recognition of Nigeria’s deepening dependence on the striker, particularly following the team’s defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup Africa play-off final.

The frustration that poured across social media was loud and focused on one point: without Osimhen, the Super Eagles collapse.

X User Itata expressed similar sentiments when calling for him to get the captaincy, writing, “Victor Osimhen. He shows the most passion out of everyone on the team every time he steps on the pitch. He also commands respect and is the face of Nigerian football now. It’s only right.”

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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