Adepoju Questions Osimhen’s Leadership Quality to Captain Super Eagles
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At a glance
- Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju questions Victor Osimhen's leadership qualities for the national team captaincy.
- Adepoju believes leadership requires more than just football ability, citing Osimhen's emotional control and team unity.
- He pointed to a reported disagreement between Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during AFCON as an example of areas for growth.
Victor Osimhen has yet to demonstrate the necessary leadership qualities to captain the Super Eagles, according to former midfielder Mutiu Adepoju. Despite the striker's significant achievements and status as Nigeria's leading attacker, Adepoju argues that captaincy demands more than just on-field prowess.
Leadership requires more than talent. A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch. Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead.
"Leadership requires more than talent," Adepoju stated. "A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch. Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead."
Adepoju highlighted a reported incident between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman during the Africa Cup of Nations as an example of the striker's need to improve his emotional regulation. "Everyone may have their own perspective, but I did not approve of the way Victor Osimhen reacted. He should have controlled his emotions. The teammate involved, Ademola Lookman, had even provided him with two assists in that match," Adepoju explained.
Everyone may have their own perspective, but I did not approve of the way Victor Osimhen reacted. He should have controlled his emotions. The teammate involved, Ademola Lookman, had even provided him with two assists in that match.
While acknowledging Osimhen's passion and determination, Adepoju stressed the importance of calmness and discipline. "Players are role models, and younger generations are watching," he added. The national team's head coach, Eric Chelle, appointed Wilfred Ndidi as captain, with Osimhen and Moses Simon serving as vice-captains.
Players are role models, and younger generations are watching.
Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.