Troost-Ekong Under Scrutiny As Sierra Leone Ex-international Claims Osimhen Is Nigeria’s Driving Force

Troost-Ekong Under Scrutiny As Sierra Leone Ex-international Claims Osimhen Is Nigeria’s Driving Force

By BSN Sports 

Former Sierra Leone international Michael Lahoud has questioned the leadership of Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong amid Nigeria’s ongoing off-field turmoil, suggesting that striker Victor Osimhen is currently the team’s only true leader, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles are preparing for their World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon, scheduled for tomorrow, after failing to win Group C of the CAF qualifiers and missing out on automatic qualification. The team returned to training today following a one-day boycott over unpaid bonuses, a protest directed at the Ibrahim Gusau–led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

During the boycott, Troost-Ekong kept supporters informed through social media updates and later confirmed that the dispute had been resolved. But Lahoud, speaking on CBS Golazo, questioned the effectiveness of Ekong’s leadership on the field.

“This team needs unity, but they’ve often played like individuals,” Lahoud said. “They need serious leadership, and right now, the only true leader is Victor Osimhen.”

He acknowledged Ekong’s visibility in the media and his role in managing previous off-pitch incidents, including the team’s travel issue in Libya. However, Lahoud argued that on-field influence is what Nigeria needs most at this critical stage.

“Nigeria needs action on the pitch,” he said. “Osimhen has carried the team with his performances, and if the rest of the squad matches his level, Nigeria will reach the World Cup.”

Lahoud concluded by noting the broader competitive challenges Nigeria faces: “Africa doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify, so it’s up to the players to step up. If Osimhen performs like he did against Benin and the team rises to the challenge, Nigeria will secure a place at the World Cup.”