Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has tipped Victor Osimhen to become the new Super Eagles captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following the recent retirements of Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong.

Musa and Troost-Ekong recently called time on their international careers ahead of the 35th edition of the Nations Cup.

Despite Wilfred Ndidi being widely tipped as next in the pecking order to take up the leadership role, Ighalo believes Osimhen has the personality to lead the team.

The former Manchester United striker said the former Napoli forward would demand more from the team and spur his teammates on to give their best on the pitch.

Ighalo also believes Ndidi is too quiet for the captaincy role.

“There are several players ahead of Osimhen in terms of seniority, but now Osimhen is doing well and he has the courage to demand what the team wants,” Ighalo said while speaking to former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh.

“Ndidi is not the talking type. He is a very calm guy, but Osimhen is outspoken. He is going to speak on behalf of the team, ginger the boys, fight for them, and speak to anybody he needs to speak to in order to make sure they are okay.

“The captain’s job is not easy because your neck is on the line. Whatever the boys demand, it is you that will put it forward to the NFF.

“And if the NFF want to come for anybody, they are coming for you because you are the captain.

“With Osimhen, he will speak and nothing will happen because he’s the biggest player in the team. They won’t look down on him; they will listen to him because he is doing well.”

WDN