Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, has expressed pride and excitement after captaining the Super Eagles for the first time during Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday night.
Osimhen, who was one of three players retained in the starting lineup, was handed the captain’s armband in place of Wilfred Ndidi, who was rested ahead of the knockout stage of the tournament.
Nigeria have now progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face Mozambique.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Osimhen described the experience as emotional and empowering.
“It feels so good. For me, it’s beautiful to try to lead the team,” he said.
“I believe I have gained enough experience to lead the team, and the coach trusts me. So they listen to me just as I listen to them.
“For me, it was a huge pleasure and honour because when I led the team out, they won the game, and we also made it to the Round of 16.”
The forward added that wearing the armband came with a greater sense of responsibility on the pitch.
According to Osimhen, captaining the team also gave him a stronger sense of belonging, as he was able to engage directly with the referee and represent his teammates during key moments of the game, including when a player was injured.
