World Cup Playoffs: ‘Drop The Captain’ — Ex-Super Eagles Coach Advises Chelle To Rest Troost-Ekong

 World Cup Playoffs: ‘Drop The Captain’ — Ex-Super Eagles Coach Advises Chelle To Rest Troost-Ekong

By BSN Sports 

Former Super Eagles captain and head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has called on current Nigeria manager Eric Chelle to make a decisive selection move ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs by resting team captain William Troost-Ekong, BSNSports.com.ng reports .

Oliseh, speaking in a recent interview, stressed that squad decisions must be based on form and fitness rather than sentiment, particularly in high-stakes matches such as the upcoming CAF playoff ties in November.

 “The reality is very simple: you don’t go into a game looking at sentiments. You play the best players,” Oliseh said. “He [Troost-Ekong] has to be put on the bench. I’m saying it clearly drop the captain and let him take a break.”

Oliseh, who captained Nigeria during his own playing career and managed the Super Eagles in 2015–16, clarified that his advice does not suggest the end of Troost-Ekong’s national team career. Rather, he believes the experienced centre-back needs to be temporarily sidelined to recover physically and mentally from a challenging season. “I’m not saying don’t take him to the World Cup,” Oliseh added. “But for these playoffs, he needs to rest.”

Troost-Ekong, who led Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has battled fitness issues since returning from injury earlier this year. Despite his leadership qualities and experience, critics have questioned his recent performances, prompting debate about his starting role.

Oliseh’s comments have sparked widespread discussion among Nigerian football fans and analysts. While some support giving younger defenders like Calvin Bassey and Jordan Torunarigha more responsibility, others argue that Troost-Ekong’s leadership and composure under pressure remain crucial for the Super Eagles.

With Nigeria set to face Gabon in the CAF playoff semi-finals this November in Morocco, the spotlight is now on head coach Eric Chelle. His lineup decisions could prove pivotal in determining whether Nigeria secures a place in the intercontinental playoffs and ultimately, a spot at the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup.