Should Osimhen be Super Eagles captain? Nigerian football icon delivers verdict

Former Super Eagles star Osaze Odemwingie has given his verdict on whether Victor Osimhen should captain Nigeria, with the Galatasaray striker receiving a major endorsement.

Odemwingie believes Osimhen’s choice to continue playing in European football makes him a stronger candidate for the armband than players who prioritise a move to Saudi Arabia.

Odemwingie was critical of players who move to the Saudi Pro League while retaining their national-team captaincy, arguing that international leaders should be competing in the strongest club competitions.

The former Lokomotive Moscow and West Brom forward questioned Troost-Ekong’s leadership after the defender moved to Al-Kholood. He also used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example, claiming the Portugal captain’s performances had declined at international level.

However, when asked whether Osimhen could captain the Super Eagles, Odemwingie offered a very different assessment.

“Turkish league is a big league. They play Champions League football. European football for now is the strongest football in clubside. Champions League is the biggest trophy, and the players chasing that glory, the football comes first, everything else comes after.”

Osimhen currently plays for Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, and has established himself as a key figure for both club and country.

Odemwingie believes the motivation behind a player's choice of league should also matter when considering national-team leadership.

“The players who go for Saudi money ant to have two sides of it, win-win here and there. Secure your future financially and still be playing football. Those players, half [of their] head is somewhere else.”

His comments could strengthen the argument for Osimhen to eventually take over the Super Eagles captaincy.

Interestingly, Nigeria are currently led by midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who also plays in the Turkish Super Lig with Besiktas.

For now, Osimhen remains focused on his performances with Galatasaray and Nigeria, but Odemwingie’s verdict has added weight to the growing debate over who should lead the Super Eagles into their next era.