Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has questioned whether Victor Osimhen possesses the leadership qualities required to captain Nigeria’s national team, despite acknowledging the striker’s outstanding contributions in a Super Eagles shirt.
The debate over the Super Eagles captaincy intensified after long-serving leaders William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving head coach Eric Chelle to appoint a new permanent captain for a squad rich in experienced players.
Galatasaray forward Osimhen, one of the team’s most influential figures both on the pitch and in the dressing room, was widely viewed as a leading candidate, but Chelle ultimately handed the armband to Wilfred Ndidi, with Osimhen and Moses Simon named vice-captains.
Osimhen has since led the side in AFCON matches against Uganda and Morocco whenever Ndidi was unavailable.
Adepoju, however, insists leadership requires more than footballing ability.
“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 said.
The former midfielder pointed to a reported disagreement between Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the 2025 AFCON as an example of the striker’s need for greater emotional control.
“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,” he said.
Adepoju, who famously scored in Nigeria’s memorable 3-2 victory over Spain at the 1998 World Cup in France, acknowledged Osimhen’s competitive spirit while stressing the importance of discipline.
“He is a passionate and determined fighter on the pitch, always eager to score. However, beyond those qualities, he must remain calm and disciplined. Players are role models, and younger generations are watching,” he added.
Despite the reservations over his leadership credentials, Osimhen’s influence on the national team remains significant. Since making his senior debut in June 2017, he has scored 35 goals in 46 appearances, making him Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, two goals behind the late Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing record of 37.
His international career has also included a bronze medal at AFCON 2019, a runners-up finish at AFCON 2023, and a strong showing at AFCON 2025, where he registered four goals and two assists. The 2023 African Footballer of The Year finished eighth in that year’s Ballon d’Or rankings and has been honoured nationally with the Member of the Federal Republic award.
