Nigeria: Victor Osimhen could be set for new role in World Cup play-off final amid Wilfred Ndidi ban | OneFootball

Eric Chelle has a big decision to make after dropping William Troost-Ekong for Nigeria’s last two games

Victor Osimhen could be handed the chance to demonstrate his leadership skills when Nigeria take on DR Congo this weekend.

Sunday’s World Cup play-off final pits the Super Eagles against the Leopards as both nations bid to keep their dream of qualifying for next summer’s tournament alive.

While the losing side will turn their attentions to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the winners will also have a six-team inter-confederation play-off to be held in Mexico in March to prepare for, with two World Cup qualification spots up for grabs.

However, the West African nation - who had to endure 120 minutes - have suffered a blow ahead of the final showdown with Wilfred Ndidi ruled out because of suspension.

The former Leicester midfielder was a yellow card as early as the sixth minute for a foul on Gabon forward Denis Bouanga, and with that being his second booking in World Cup qualification, he must serve a one-match ban.

As Ndidi will be unavailable for selection when Nigeria face DR Congo, it will force Eric Chelle into a change of personnel in midfield and choice of captain.

In the absence of William Troost-Ekong, Ndidi captained Nigeria against Gabon but will not get the chance to do so again in Sunday’s play-off final.

This leaves Chelle facing a decision regarding who will take the captain’s armband as Troost-Ekong is not assured of a recall given Benjamin Fredrick’s impressive performance at the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence.

Suspended: Wilfred Ndidi

REUTERS

Therefore, it could be Osimhen who is handed the role of captain againsr DR Congo after being named by Troost-Ekong as one of the leaders in the Nigeria squad.

“We have multiple leaders in this team. Victor Osimhen is a leader in his own right, and we also have Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon,” Troost-Ekong said.

“We have players who are really coming of age and showing what they can do.”