‘Ndidi already commands respect’ – Oliseh wants midfielder named Super Eagles captain

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has praised Wilfred Ndidi’s rising leadership role in the national team and backed him as a strong candidate for captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Oliseh said Ndidi already enjoys major respect within the squad and plays consistently, noting, “I think nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi… he’s a player that plays every game.”

Speaking on his Oliseh Insight Podcast, he added that although he is not pushing for a specific choice, “I think Ndidi is already the captain anyways because he captained the last game.”

Oliseh, who previously captained and coached Nigeria, urged Ndidi – or whoever wears the armband – to show the proactive leadership style he and the late Stephen Keshi were known for. True leadership, he said, requires more than waiting for Nigeria Football Federation instructions. Captains must personally mobilise teammates, adding that leaders should call players privately and say, “Boss me, I am getting to the camp.”

He stressed that early reporting and personal arrangements with clubs boost team unity. Oliseh also advised coach Eric Chelle to be firm, saying he must “grow stubborn” and resist outside pressure. Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C.