Following the international retirement of Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially unveiled a new captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been appointed as the team’s new skipper, taking over the armband after the departure of the two senior figures from international football. Ndidi is no stranger to the role, having captained the Super Eagles on several occasions in the past whenever Musa or Troost-Ekong were absent. With the former Kano Pillars attacker and the Al Khoolood defender now fully retired from national duty, the leadership mantle has been permanently entrusted to the Besiktas midfielder.
Speaking on his appointment, Ndidi described the captaincy as a significant responsibility and expressed optimism that collective effort within the squad would drive success.
“It’s a huge responsibility, but with the support of my teammates, I’m confident everything will work out,” he said.
As the team prepares for AFCON 2025 and other upcoming challenges, Ndidi emphasized the need for unity, clear communication, and shared purpose within the squad.
“I’ve had conversations with the players to help everyone understand our mission. We also need strong support from the coaching crew and open communication about what lies ahead. It’s important that we are all on the same page,” he explained.
Ndidi also took time to acknowledge the impact of former captain William Troost-Ekong, praising his leadership and influence within the team.
“He is a fantastic leader who always stood up for the team. His words carried authority, and he earned the respect of everyone. I truly admire his confidence and dedication. I’ve learned a lot from him, and he recently offered me advice as well. In many ways, he still feels like part of the team, and he will be greatly missed.”