Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan
Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has praised Al-Kholood defender William Troost-Ekong for his leadership in the Nigerian National team, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Watford man has seen his minutes in Eric Chelle’s starting lineup reduce in recent times.
Ekong was benched against Rwanda during the September International break and only played 45 minutes against South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium, as he was withdrawn during halftime after scoring an own goal in the first half.
The 32-year-old was reinstated into the starting line-up against Lesotho in Polokwane, and he found the back of the net from twelve yards before Akor Adams completed the rout in the second half.
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Osimhen lauds Ekong’s leadership
The Super Eagles captain was relegated to the bench again when Nigeria defeated the Republic of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium three days ago, but his leadership was evident.
Although he wasn’t on the pitch, he was seen directing the players from the bench, telling them to keep their heads in the game up until the last minute.
Osimhen led in his own way on the pitch, pitching arguably one of the greatest individual performances from a player in green and white against Gernot Rohr’s side as he scored a hat-trick.
After the game, the former Napoli forward took to social media to thank some of his teammates for a job well done against Benin, Ekong included.
“An amazing leader on and off the pitch. You’ve always been there for each and every one of your teammates. Thank you, skippo,” the ex-LOSC Lille man wrote about Troost-Ekong on his Instagram story.
South African players laud Osimhen
Going into the final matchday of the World Cup qualifiers, Benin Republic were top of the group after South Africa had three points deducted from them by FIFA after they fielded a suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana needed Nigeria to defeat Gernot Rohr’s side to qualify directly for the World Cup. On the flip side, Nigeria needed Rwanda to secure a win over South Africa for direct qualification, but that didn’t happen as Hugo Broos’ men secured a comfortable 3-0 win against the Amavubi.
With Benin suffering a 4-0 loss in Uyo, South Africa sealed a qualification spot, and two of their players, including the guilty Mokoena, took to their Instagram pages to laud Victor Osimhen’s effort that sent them to the 2026 Mundial.
Ekong and Osimhen have been leaders over the past few years for the Nigerian national team, and will need to be at their best when the Super Eagles take on Gabon in Morocco next month.