Former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has expressed doubts about William Troost-Ekong’s ability to effectively lead the team as captain.
In a candid interview, Ideye questioned Ekong’s influence over key players such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman.
Read Also: Bright Osayi Samuel Football Tournament Set For July 30th Kickoff
“A leader has to be someone who has been in that team for years and years. In the present Super Eagles, we don’t have those players like Enyeama and Yobo anymore,” Ideye said.
He pointed out that leadership goes beyond merely wearing the captain’s armband and argued that Ekong lacks the necessary presence to command respect from the team’s star players.
“Who do you want to give a leader, Ekong? It’s not about having the captain’s armband. Can Ekong sit Osimhen, Chukwueze, Lookman down and speak to them? No,” he continued.
Ideye emphasized that he does not see Osimhen, one of the team’s most prominent figures, accepting Ekong’s leadership without challenging his authority.
Ideye’s comments come at a critical time as the Super Eagles look to build a cohesive and effective team.
He himself played a crucial role when Nigeria won its third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title a decade ago, bringing valuable insight into what makes a successful team leader
