Three Top Contenders to Replace William Troost-Ekong as Super Eagles Captain

With William Troost-Ekong officially announcing his retirement from international football, the Super Eagles are set for a significant leadership transition. Ekong, who captained Nigeria with distinction across multiple major tournaments, leaves behind a legacy that sets a high standard for the next team leader.

As head coach Eric Chelle prepares to name a new captain, three standout players have emerged as the strongest contenders based on seniority, experience, influence, and long-term commitment to the national team.

1. Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi, the current vice-captain, is widely considered the frontrunner for the captaincy. The Besiktas midfielder has been a cornerstone of the Super Eagles since making his debut in August 2015.

With 71 international caps, Ndidi’s calm presence, consistency, and professionalism have earned him respect across the squad. His leadership qualities and long-term involvement make him a natural successor to Ekong.

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2. Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi also ranks highly among the potential captains due to his seniority and vast international experience. Since debuting on October 8, 2015, the Fulham midfielder has accumulated 91 caps, making him one of the most experienced active Super Eagles players.

Iwobi’s dedication, reliability, and exposure to top-level European football further strengthen his claim to the Super Eagles captaincy.

3. Victor Osimhen

Representing the younger generation, Victor Osimhen has grown into one of the team’s most influential figures. Since his debut in 2017, he has become the Super Eagles’ attacking talisman and a global football star.

With 31 international goals, Osimhen is already Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer in history—just six behind Rashidi Yekini’s iconic record of 37. His passion, charisma, and on-field impact make him a compelling candidate for captaincy, despite being younger than the other contenders.

As the Super Eagles enter a new era, the choice of captain will shape the team’s leadership, identity, and motivation ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Three Top Contenders to Replace William Troost-Ekong as Super Eagles Captain

Premier League: Liverpool Held 1-1 by Sunderland After Deflected Strike

Liverpool salvaged a 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Wednesday, with a deflected Florian Wirtz goal rescuing the defending Premier League champions from defeat. Despite the point, the Reds once again produced a lacklustre performance.

Sunderland appeared set to claim all three points after Chemsdine Talbi opened the scoring. Talbi’s strike deflected off Virgil van Dijk and looped into the far corner, punishing Liverpool for giving the midfielder too much space on the edge of the box.

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The first half saw Liverpool struggle to create meaningful chances, while Sunderland looked dangerous, twice hitting the woodwork through Trai Hume and Omar Alderete. The visitors’ solid defending limited Liverpool’s attacking threats, leaving the defending champions frustrated.

Liverpool’s equaliser came in the second half when summer signing Florian Wirtz danced through Sunderland’s defence and scuffed a shot that deflected off Nordi Mukiele, looping into the net for an own goal.

The draw extends Liverpool’s struggles in the early part of the season, highlighting ongoing concerns in the final third despite salvaging a point away from home. Sunderland, meanwhile, demonstrated the form that has seen them enjoy a strong start in the Premier League.

Premier League: Liverpool Held 1-1 by Sunderland After Deflected Strike

Mbappe Double Fires Real Madrid Past Athletic Club, Closes Gap on Barcelona in La Liga

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid ended a three-game winless streak with a resounding victory over Athletic Club, moving just one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The French forward opened the scoring in the seventh minute, expertly controlling a diagonal cross-field pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, before turning provider for Eduardo Camavinga’s first-half goal in the 42nd minute. Mbappe sealed the 3-0 triumph with his 16th league goal of the season shortly before the hour mark with a low, dipping strike past goalkeeper Unai Simon.

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Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in the summer, provided his first assist for the club but was forced off with a leg issue in his fifth appearance since returning from a hamstring injury. Camavinga also sustained an injury during the clash, which slightly overshadowed Madrid’s dominant performance.

Head coach Xabi Alonso will be relieved to see his side bounce back after relinquishing a five-point lead at the top of the table over three consecutive draws. Meanwhile, Athletic Club’s struggles continue, suffering their seventh defeat in 12 league games, leaving them eighth with 20 points.

Mbappe Double Fires Real Madrid Past Athletic Club, Closes Gap on Barcelona in La Liga