Tremendous Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has hit again at current criticism from former teammates and pundits, insisting that the Nigeria squad stays totally united and fully targeted forward of Sunday’s World Cup playoff remaining in opposition to DR Congo in Rabat.
Ekong, who was singled out by former Watford teammate Troy Deeney and ex-Sierra Leone worldwide Michael Lahoud throughout the workforce’s momentary coaching boycott earlier within the week, dismissed claims that he’s unfit to steer the nationwide workforce or that he performed a divisive position within the standoff.
Talking calmly however firmly after Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, the 82-cap defender mentioned these criticising him from afar are “not in camp, not within the conferences, and never conscious of the truth.”
“I’ve performed 82 occasions for Nigeria,” Ekong mentioned. “There are various leaders on this workforce. It’s not nearly me. Every thing we do is collective — selections, actions, and obligations.”
Ekong made it clear that the gamers’ temporary protest was not pushed by ego or private points however by long-standing commitments that wanted readability. He additionally insisted that after the matter was settled, each participant instantly shifted focus again to soccer, a sentiment mirrored of their dominant extra-time efficiency in opposition to Gabon.
The centre-back emphasised that the workforce’s precedence now could be qualification — not responding to on-line narratives or pundits’ feedback.
“Individuals can say what they need,” he added. “What issues is what occurs on the pitch. We’re collectively. We’re targeted. And we all know what’s at stake for Nigeria.”
Ekong praised the youthful gamers, together with Benjamin Frederick and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, for his or her progress and composure underneath stress, saying the workforce’s mix of youth and expertise is certainly one of its largest strengths forward of Sunday’s showdown.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to help the workforce slightly than criticise them throughout essential moments, insisting that unity — from the pitch to the followers — is important for sealing the World Cup ticket.
