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William Troost-Ekong on Saturday said Victor Osimhen has the necessary qualities to lead Super Eagle in the future.
Since making his debut in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Chad in June 2015, the 30-year-old has been a leader on the national squad.
Born in the Netherlands, Troost-Ekong played for the European country at the U19 and U20 levels before deciding to play for Nigeria. Since then, he has made 71 Super Eagles appearances and has excelled in a number of competitions, including two AFCONs, one FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The PAOK defender scored three goals in the tournament, two of which came in the semi-final and final against South Africa and Ivory Coast respectively. Having captained his country for two successive AFCONs now, Troost-Ekong has tipped Osimhen to one day take up the role.
Like Troost-Ekong, Osimhen also demonstrated impeccable leadership during Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, and although he scored just once, his work rate and selfless play made up for his lack of goals.
“I am a fan of his. I saw his journey when he came to be a part of the Super Eagles in 2019, I saw how hard he worked,” Troost-Ekong said.
“He is a leader in our team, and I tell him that ‘everybody is watching you. The way you play, it drives all of us’. I just try to remind him how important he is and I think he understands that role now and what he means to Nigeria as a person and as a football player.
“I’m sure that he’s going to be a captain of the Super Eagles in future, that’s my wish for him. And for him to win the AFCON and be the leader in that moment.”
Culled from Afrik-Foot
