Oliseh picks potential captain for Nigeria at AFCON 2025

Following the naming of Nigeria squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco, legendary Sunday Oliseh has advised coach Eric Chelle to settle for midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to captain the Super Eagles in the North Africa nation.

On Tuesday, the Malian coach announced a 54-man preliminary squad for the AFCON, signalling fierce competition for places as the Super Eagles prepare for the 35th edition of the biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Nigeria’s squad has all the stars in it with the striking area headlined by two African Footballer of the Year winners: Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024).

Others in the striking area include; Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Nathan Tella and others pushing for final selection.

Ndidi has respect from every Nigeria player

However, according to Oliseh, who played 55 international matches and scored four goals for Nigeria, and played at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, Chelle should hand the armband to Wilfred Ndidi, who currently plays for plays as a defensive midfielder for Süper Lig club Beşiktaş.

“At the moment, I think nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game,” he said on the Oliseh Insight Podcast as quoted by Allnigeriasoccer.

“I am not trying to push for who is going to be captain, but I think Ndidi is already the captain anyways because he captained the last game.”

Oliseh, who was part of Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal winning team of 1996, added: “On the player’s side, this is where whoever is the leader of the team, this is where he has to show the Oliseh/Keshi leadership.

“That is, don’t wait for the NFF to start calling the players to come to camp. You as a captain, like I used to do and what Keshi used to do, you call the players privately and let them know, boss me, I am getting to the camp.”

He further explained why Nigeria will need effective leaders in Morocco to succeed: “We are resuming on the ninth, I have already arranged with my club, I should be there on the eighth as a captain

“I will be there on the ninth please make sure you’re there on the ninth, this is Morocco, flights are coming in the morning, that way you already have the first training session as a group.”

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will start their campaign against Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23 before returning to action for matchday two against the Carthage Eagles on December 27.

Nigeria’s final group fixture be against the Cranes of Uganda on December 30.

Nigeria’s preliminary squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye.

Defenders: Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Attackers: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago.

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