Key points
- Chelle names Troost-Ekong as captain in fresh radio chat. He keeps options open before the next AFCON.
- Ahmed Musa has been absent from recent team call-ups. He still holds senior status within the group.
- Finidi earlier said Ekong, Omeruo, Musa shared leadership duties. Chelle now states Ekong wears the armband today.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has ended the armband debate. He confirmed William Troost-Ekong as captain for his squad. “The reality is, my captain is William Troost-Ekong,” he said.
After Vincent Enyeama quit in October 2015, Ahmed Musa captained. John Mikel Obi replaced him as captain in March 2016. Recent feats like the Osimhen Champions League record highlight squad leadership.
What Chelle said
Chelle restated that Troost-Ekong wears the band under his watch. He added that the choice could be reviewed before AFCON. He prefers clarity now, but he kept future options open.
Why Musa is out of frame
Musa, absent on the pitch at AFCON 2023, missed recent camps. Earlier in May 2024, Finidi kept a shared leadership group. He named Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, and Musa as captains.
For now, the armband stays with Troost-Ekong as Nigeria push on. Rivals have been talking tough in recent days about qualification. See this Nigeria 2026 World Cup jibe for a taste of that.
