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• Rates Osimhen as Nigeria’s best striker
Two-time World Cupper and former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh has sent a message to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation, insisting that William Troost-Ekong should be dropped from the starting lineup if Nigeria are serious about qualifying for the Fifa World Cup through the playoffs.
Troost-Ekong, who succeeded John Obi Mikel as Super Eagles captain following his retirement, has retained the armband in recent years, with Ahmed Musa no longer a regular feature in the national setup.
Oliseh, who previously managed Troost-Ekong during his stint as Nigeria coach, expressed doubts over the 32-year-old’s current form and ability, suggesting that the Al-Kholood defender is approaching the twilight of his career for both club and country.
During Oliseh’s time in charge of the national team, Troost-Ekong featured in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in which Nigeria conceded twice.
The former Ajax and Juventus midfielder subsequently dropped the centre-back from his plans before stepping down as coach in February 2016.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Troost-Ekong’s performances have come under increasing scrutiny, with several critics calling for him to step aside from international duty amid concerns over his declining pace and defensive errors.
An error from the former Watford and PAOK defender led to Zimbabwe snatching a late equaliser during a qualifier in Uyo in March 2025, and just last month, he inadvertently turned the ball into his own net as Nigeria were held 1-1 by South Africa.
Assessing the Super Eagles’ recent performances, Oliseh said Nigeria’s defence has looked more solid in Troost-Ekong’s absence.
“If we want to have a bright chance of going to the World Cup, Troost-Ekong has to be put on the bench,” Oliseh said on his YouTube channel. “It’s as simple as that. You get to play for the Super Eagles based on the results you bring in.”Osimhen, who was previously linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, completed a record-breaking transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray during the summer window. The Galatasaray striker earned widespread acclaim following his sensational display in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin’s Cheetahs in Uyo, where he netted a hat-trick to inspire the three-time African champions to a commanding 4–0 victory and secure their place in the African playoffs.
Oliseh praised Osimhen’s exceptional work rate and technical quality, noting that his intensity and consistency set him apart, even though Ademola Lookman currently holds the title of African Footballer of the Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh podcast, the two-time World Cupper said: “When it comes to Osimhen, I think four more games. If Osimhen plays the next three or four games like he did against Benin, I can assure you that in the next one or two years, he’ll be heading to the Premier League. And they will buy him for crazy money”.
The 1996 Olympic gold medallist praised Osimhen’s all-round contribution and fighting spirit, describing him as a player built for high-intensity games.
“He is the best player we have at the moment, even though Lookman is rated a bit above him because he’s the current African Player of the Year,” Oliseh continued.
“But when you’re talking about quality and what a player brings to the game, he’s the best.
“The way he played this weekend showed his hunger and fight, this is the kind of match that suits him.”
Without Osimhen in the squad, the Super Eagles managed just four points from a possible fifteen in the World Cup qualifiers, but collected thirteen points from five matches with the Galatasaray striker in the team.
