Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong don talk say Nigeria Football Federation need to get long-term vision for football development for Nigeria. This one come after Super Eagles fail to qualify for 2026 World Cup. Troost-Ekong wey retire from international football for December 2025, yarn this one during interview with beIN SPORTS.
Nigeria lose to DR Congo for African play-off final for Morocco. The match end 1-1 for regulation and extra time before DR Congo win 4-3 for penalties. DR Congo go now play intercontinental play-offs for Mexico. NFF don protest say DR Congo use players wey no suppose play, but FIFA reject their petition. NFF still dey appeal the decision.
Troost-Ekong talk say this na second time wey Super Eagles go miss World Cup back-to-back. For 2022, dem miss Qatar World Cup after Ghana eliminate them on away goals. “E dey tough well well,” Troost-Ekong yarn. “For 2022, we want go Qatar but we miss am. This time, with more slots for African countries, our squad strength, and how Nigeria big for football, pressure too much.”
The defender praise coach Eric Chelle say im don do well to turn things around after difficult start. “Coach Chelle do fantastic job. Dem dey change things again. I don retire from international football, and na World Cup wey I want be part of. For times like this, we need look our structure for Nigeria well well if we want long-term success.”
Troost-Ekong talk say countries wey do well for Africa don put correct structures for 10 to 15 years, no be only talent dem dey depend on. “We need clear long-term vision. When you look nations wey do well from continent, dem put correct structures for 10 to 15 years, instead of to dey depend only on talent.”
Troost-Ekong wey born for Netherlands to Dutch mama and Nigerian papa, play for Netherlands youth teams before choose to play for Nigeria senior team. Im make debut for June 13, 2015 for AFCON qualifier against Chad. Im score five goals for Africa Cup of Nations, the highest by defender for competition history. Im score eight goals for 83 appearances for Nigeria, with last match as substitute against Gabon for November 13, 2025 during World Cup play-off semi-final.
NFF don begin 2026 electoral process. Some people like Ibitoye talk say Chelle fit win next AFCON and deserve new contract. Players like Lookman and Ajibade score goals as Awoniyi seal Spurs rout for other news.
Abiodun Adewale wey report sports for PUNCH cover Nigerian football league, national teams, and cricket for last six years. The news come from PUNCH Sports Extra report.
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