Former World Cup star claims Victor Osimhen unfit to lead Nigeria
Former Nigerian midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has publicly questioned Victor Osimhen’s leadership qualities, stating that the Galatasaray striker lacks the necessary emotional control to serve as permanent captain of the Super Eagles.
Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has publicly declared that marquee striker Victor Osimhen is currently unfit to permanently captain the national team.
Following the international departures of long-serving leaders William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa, head coach Eric Chelle officially appointed midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as team captain. Meanwhile, Osimhen was designated as a vice-captain alongside winger Moses Simon.
Adepoju, who famously scored against Spain at the 1998 World Cup, insists that national team leadership requires far more than on-field talent.
The former midfielder emphasized that a true captain must maintain strict emotional discipline and represent absolute unity. He specifically criticized Osimhen’s visible on-pitch conduct, arguing that anyone unable to control their behavior cannot effectively lead.
The critical remarks follow a highly publicized on-field disagreement between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman during the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite his passionate temperament occasionally drawing scrutiny, the reigning African Footballer of the Year remains crucial for the Super Eagles. Osimhen has scored 35 international goals, sitting just two behind Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record.
