William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from the Super Eagles squad weeks leading up to the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team captain, leading into the AFCON 2023 tournament, Ahmed Musa, also announced his retirement from the Nigerian National team a few days ago.
With both captains bowing out, the leadership position in Eric Chelle’s team was up for grabs, with Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem standing as leading candidates having been long-standing members of the Green and Whites.
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Wilfred Ndidi succeeds Ekong as Super Eagles captain
Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo tipped Victor Osimhen to be Nigeria’s next captain ahead of Awaziem and the likes.
The AFCON 2019 Golden Boot winner cited Osimhen’s hunger and sacrifice on the pitch as the sole reason the armband should go to the Galatasaray striker.
“There are people ahead of him, but because Osimhen is doing well, and has the balls to demand what the team wants. Ndidi is not the talking type; he’s a very calm guy, but Osimhen is outspoken.
“He’ll speak on behalf of the team, he’ll ginger the boys, fight for them, speak to anyone that needs to be spoken to, even in games,” the ex-Watford man said.
However, Wilfred Ndidi after several reports has now been confirmed as the team’s leader ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.
Ekong, in his last days as a Super Eagles was subjected to limited minutes, and Ndidi wore the captain’s armband on the pitch.
With the Dutch-born Nigerian out of the picture, Ndidi has now spoken about the weight of the new responsibility and asked for the support of his teammates and backroom staff.
“It’s a huge responsibility and with the help of the players, I think everything will go smoothly.
“I’ve had conversations with a couple of players, just some of the older players, to try to make them understand that reason why were here.
“We also need support from also staff. We’re all in this together so we’ve had this conversation of the task ahead and it is very important that you all be on same page.
“It was a sad one missing out on the World Cup, but this is another opportunity. Another day, another opportunity to correct the wrongs, put smiles on faces of Nigerians, and make country proud once again.
“It’s not going to be an easy task, but we’re really up for it,” the former Leicester City midfielder concluded.
Nigeria have been drawn into AFCON 2025 group C, and will take on Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.
