AFCON 2025
Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has cleared the air on the captaincy debate involving himself and Ahmed Musa.
Austine Eguavoen’s men are gearing up to face Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with William Troost-Ekong expected to captain the side again.
Troost-Ekong has worn the captain’s armband for the past year, filling in for Ahmed Musa, who was named captain by former coach Jose Peseiro but hasn’t featured for the team since AFCON 2023.
Musa recently made a surprise return to the Nigerian Premier League, joining Kano Pillars, and declared his availability for international duty.
Troost-Ekong on Super Eagles captaincy
“We’re happy he’s back,” Troost-Ekong said during media day in Ikot Ekpene.
“He’s still our captain and he’s welcome back any time.
“He’s also our most capped player, a good role model, and a good leader, and I am happy to deputise for him.”
Nigeria will hope to claim maximum points in both games against Libya, all but sealing a place at AFCON 2025, and caretaker coach Eguavoen is upbeat about the country’s chances.
He said; “We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5.
“We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in in this qualifying campaign.”
With a double victory over Libya, the Eagles will advance to 10 points.
