AFCON 2025: Idah Questions NFF’s Role in Troost-Ekong’s Exit

AFCON 2025: Idah Questions NFF’s Role in Troost-Ekong’s Exit

By Admin 

Former Nigeria international Peterside Idah has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the circumstances surrounding William Troost-Ekong’s retirement from international football, alleging that the former Super Eagles captain was pushed out rather than allowed to step aside on his own terms, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Idah described the federation’s handling of the situation as poorly managed, claiming that the central defender was effectively “sacrificed” despite his continued importance to the national team.

Speaking to Footy-Africa, Idah said the NFF missed an opportunity to allow Troost-Ekong conclude his international career on a high note at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“The Nigeria Football Federation did not handle Ekong’s situation well,” Idah said. “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.”

Idah added that stronger leadership from the federation could have persuaded Troost-Ekong to delay his decision until after the continental tournament.

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

Troost-Ekong’s decision came shortly after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a playoff defeat to DR Congo in Morocco. His retirement also followed a turbulent period within the Super Eagles camp, marked by a training boycott by players protesting unpaid bonuses ahead of the decisive fixture.

The protest sparked widespread debate, with sections of the public criticising the players, while others pointed to persistent administrative shortcomings within the federation.

Despite the departure of the team’s captain, Idah expressed confidence that leadership within the squad would not be compromised, citing the presence of several experienced figures.

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

Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch-Nigerian family, Troost-Ekong was eligible to represent both countries but committed his international future to Nigeria. He made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and went on to earn more than 80 caps.

He captained Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and was named Player of the Tournament, despite the Super Eagles’ 2–1 defeat to the host nation. His five goals during the competition remain the highest tally ever recorded by a defender at an AFCON tournament.

Troost-Ekong was included in head coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad released on December 2, but announced his retirement two days later, before the final 28-man list was confirmed.

In his absence, Nigeria’s defensive options for AFCON 2025 include Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) and Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers).

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. Nigeria will open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27, and conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30.