NFF forced Ekong to retire – Idah

File copy: Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong

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Former Nigeria international Peterside Idah has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation over the circumstances surrounding William Troost-Ekong’s exit from the Super Eagles, suggesting the defender may have been forced out rather than retiring voluntarily, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Idah described the handling of Ekong’s retirement as “absolutely badly” managed and claimed that the central defender was “sacrificed” by the federation.

He said the situation could have been handled differently to allow Ekong to end his international career on a high note at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“The Nigeria Football Federation did not handle Ekong’s situation well,” Idah told Footy-Africa.

“They handled it badly, absolutely badly. I’ve been in and around that team, and even before he announced his retirement, I knew they were going to sacrifice him. How can your central defender and one of your best players want to retire before the Nations Cup, and you simply let him go? It is absolute madness.”

“They should have told him to wait until after the tournament so he could go out on a high. But due to bad leadership, I don’t think he retired voluntarily. I believe they pushed him.”

The 32-year-old’s decision to retire came shortly after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a playoff defeat to DR Congo in Morocco.

His announcement followed a period of tension within the squad, which had seen players boycott training before the playoff match over unpaid bonuses. The boycott divided public opinion, with some criticising the players while others blamed the federation for longstanding administrative failings.

Despite the loss of their captain, Idah expressed confidence in the remaining leadership within the squad, pointing to the experience of key players.

“Wilfred Ndidi is obviously there and could replace him. There is also Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. These are experienced players, and leadership should not be a problem,” he said.

Ekong, born in the Netherlands to a Dutch-Nigerian family, was eligible to represent both countries but chose Nigeria, making his debut in 2015 and earning over 80 caps.

He led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he was named Player of the Tournament despite a 2-1 loss to the hosts.

His five-goal tally in the competition remains the record for the most goals scored by a defender in AFCON history.

Ekong had been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad on December 2, announcing his retirement two days later before the final 28-man squad was confirmed.

With Ekong gone, Nigeria’s defenders for AFCON 2025 now include Calvin Bassey of Fulham, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi of Hull City, Bright Osayi-Samuel of Birmingham City, Bruno Onyemaechi of Olympiakos, Chidozie Awaziem of Nantes, Zaidu Sanusi of Porto, Igoh Ogbu of Slavia Prague, and Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers.

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

They will open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27, and conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30.

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