NIGERIAN football fans are intensifying calls for Victor Osimhen to be appointed the next captain of the Super Eagles following the sudden retirement of William Troost-Ekong from international football.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the agitation, which has dominated social media conversations since Thursday, is anchored on Osimhen’s growing influence, leadership presence and consistency as Nigeria’s most dependable player.
Osimhen, who was crowned the 2023 African Player of the Year, strengthened his case on Friday night after scoring a brilliant brace in Galatasaray’s 3–2 victory over Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
The striker opened the scoring midway through the first half after racing onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Leroy Sané before finishing coolly.
He then produced a moment of sheer brilliance after the restart, a spectacular bicycle kick that restored Galatasaray’s lead and ultimately secured all three points. The win helped keep the Istanbul giants firmly in the race for the league title.
But beyond club exploits, Nigerian fans say Osimhen’s personality, passion and ability to drag the team forward during difficult moments make him the natural successor to Troost-Ekong, who captained Nigeria through several major tournaments.
Shortly after Ekong’s retirement announcement, prominent football analysts and supporters took to X to advocate for Osimhen’s elevation.
Sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel argued that Nigeria is heading toward a natural transition phase after the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
He wrote: “A few members of the team will retire after AFCON. We must start afresh and build a winning squad for the 2027 tournament. That process should begin with Victor Osimhen being named captain.”
Another football analyst, Fisayo Dairo, also backed the idea: “Thanks for the memories, Ekong. It’s a good time to leave before the ovation fades. I hope the NFF act well for once and announce Osimhen as the next captain.”
A user identified as Uzochi stated: “I’ll keep saying it. Osimhen should be the Super Eagles captain. He is a leader.”
Another fan, Omobolaji, wrote: “He has the capacity to push the team to success. The armband will bring even more dedication.”
For Itata, the argument is simple: “Osimhen shows the most passion every time he steps on the pitch. He commands respect and is the face of Nigerian football now. It’s only right.”
The clamour intensified after Nigeria’s recent defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup Africa play-off final, a match in which many supporters felt the team lacked direction and leadership.
With Troost-Ekong now retired and the squad heading into a rebuilding era, fans believe the NFF should hand the captain’s armband to the man they consider the heartbeat of the national team.
For now, the Nigeria Football Federation has not commented on who will replace Ekong, but the pressure from fans is growing louder by the day.