The dream of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended in devastating fashion, sparking intense criticism against Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and calls for his permanent removal from the national team.
Training Boycott and Penalty Heartbreak
The three-time African champions saw their World Cup hopes evaporate after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo following a 1-1 draw after extra time. This crushing loss came despite Nigeria reaching the playoffs after finishing second behind South Africa in Group C with 17 points.
The team's preparation suffered a significant setback when players boycotted training ahead of the crucial playoff against Gabon, despite having a full squad of 24 players including the arrived Victor Osimhen. Captain William Troost-Ekong later published a statement addressing the training boycott incident.
Veteran Journalist's Scathing Criticism
Following the team's failure to qualify, veteran journalist Wale Agbede delivered a blistering assessment of Troost-Ekong's leadership and conduct during the crucial matches in Morocco.
"Maybe a few players in the squad will be axed. I don't know. I think these players are over-pampered," Agbede told Daily Post, before specifically targeting the team captain. "But left to me, William Troost-Ekong should be banished from the team. To be a leader and act in the way he behaved in Morocco is embarrassing. He is not fit to lead that team."
The journalist's comments reflect growing frustration among Nigerian football stakeholders following the Super Eagles' failure to secure World Cup qualification.
Troost-Ekong's International Future in Doubt
In the emotional aftermath of the defeat, the 32-year-old defender dropped a major hint about his international future during a dressing room address to his teammates. Troost-Ekong revealed he would watch the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as a fan, signaling a potential retirement from international football.
The Al-Kholood defender has been a stalwart for Nigeria over the years and is among only five current Super Eagles players who featured at the 2018 World Cup. However, his reduced role in recent matches, having missed the starting lineup in three of Nigeria's last games, suggests the team may already be planning for his eventual departure.
Troost-Ekong's potential retirement raises serious questions about Nigeria's defensive stability as the team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December. While the captain hasn't made an official retirement announcement, his post-match comments have created uncertainty about his future with the national team.
The Nigeria Football Federation now faces mounting pressure to make significant changes following the World Cup qualification failure, with calls for both officials to resign and certain players, including the captain, to be permanently removed from the squad.
