Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has stirred debate among Nigerian football fans after boldly stating that he would pick Victor Osimhen over any of the country’s past football legends.
Speaking during a podcast interview, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Player of the Tournament gave high praise to the Napoli striker, claiming Osimhen has what it takes to become the greatest player in the history of Nigerian football.
“Automatically, you want to lean and talk about, you know, your JJ Okochas and those kind of players,” Troost-Ekong admitted.
“But I think I have to stick with my generation. I think Victor Osimhen has the potential to be the best player that we’ve ever seen in the Nigerian shirt.”
Osimhen, who won the 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year award, was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final earlier this year.
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His hunger, pace, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the most feared strikers on the continent and a fan favourite across Europe.
Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring for Turkish giants Galatasaray. Photo credit: Getty Images
Troost-Ekong himself enjoyed a memorable AFCON 2023, scoring three crucial goals including in the final against hosts Ivory Coast and leading the Super Eagles with passion and precision.
Despite the 2–1 defeat in the final, the centre-back made history by becoming the first defender to score five goals in AFCON history and was later crowned Player of the Tournament.
Ekong with his 2023 AFCON MVP award. Photo Credit: CAF
Yet for all his own accolades, the Al Khlood defender took time to acknowledge the brilliance of his past teammates particularly John Obi Mikel.
“Pure talent-wise, I loved playing with John Obi Mikel,” he said.
“I think he’s very, very underrated. When I played with him at the Olympics, he played as a number 10. And I think then you really saw his talent and maybe why he got signed at Chelsea at the age he did.”
Mikel Obi at the Olympics. Photo Credit:X
Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, Troost-Ekong made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and has since earned over 78 caps, scoring 7 international goals.
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His leadership at AFCON 2023 further cemented his legacy as one of the most dependable figures in Nigerian football.
With Nigeria boasting a rich football history filled with icons like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Rashidi Yekini, Troost-Ekong’s statement may raise eyebrows.
But for the skipper, the present and future belong to one man:
“Victor’s still young, still hungry, and already achieving so much. If he keeps going the way he is, I really believe he’ll be the best we’ve ever seen.”
