Osimhen opens up: 'It gives me great privilege' to captain Super Eagles

Victor Osimhen has revealed the profound impact of wearing the Super Eagles captain's armband for the first time in a competitive match, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility that pushed him to new heights.

The Galatasaray striker was handed the captain's duties by coach Eric Chelle for Nigeria's final Group C clash against Uganda in Morocco, with regular skipper Wilfred Ndidi rested for the match.

The Super Eagles cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory in Fes, finishing top of their group with a perfect nine-point haul.

While goals from Paul Onuachu and a Raphael Onyedika brace sealed the win, it was Osimhen's leadership, both vocal and physical, that set the tone for Nigeria's dominant display.

"It feels so good," the masked striker said after the match. "For me, it's beautiful to try to lead the team. I think I've gained some level of experience to be able to lead the team, and the coach also confides in me as well as the players."

Osimhen, who has matured considerably since his early days in the national team setup, emphasised the mutual respect between himself and his teammates that makes his captaincy effective.

"They listen to me just like I listen to them as well," he explained. "So for me, it gives me great pleasure and great privilege because during the time when I led the boys out, we won the game and we are also through to the next round."

The 27-year-old nearly got on the scoresheet himself when Uganda's backup goalkeeper Salim Omar was sent off in the 57th minute for handling outside his box while attempting to deny the striker a clear run on goal. That key moment shifted the game's momentum decisively in Nigeria's favour.

The Super Eagles had dominated from the opening whistle, with Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses testing Uganda's defence repeatedly in the first half before Onuachu broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.

Onyedika's second-half double then put the result beyond doubt, despite Rogers Mato's late consolation for the Cranes.

Nigeria's flawless group stage performance sets up a Round of 16 clash with the third-placed finisher from Group F, potentially Ivory Coast, Cameroon, or Mozambique.

With Comoros and Angola already eliminated from third-place qualification, the Eagles now know their path to the knockout stages is clear.

For Osimhen, who has shouldered criticism and praise in equal measure throughout his international career, the captain's armband represents another step in his evolution as a leader.

His ability to inspire those around him, something Chelle clearly recognises, could prove crucial as Nigeria's tournament intensifies.