Former Nigeria international Peterside Idah has launched a scathing attack on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing the body of forcing William Troost-Ekong out of the Super Eagles rather than allowing the defender to retire on his own terms.
Idah described the handling of Troost-Ekong’s exit as “absolutely badly” managed, insisting the Super Eagles captain was deliberately pushed aside ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The NFF handled Ekong’s situation badly — absolutely badly,” Idah told Footy-Africa.
“I’ve been around that team, and even before he announced his retirement, I knew they were going to sacrifice him. How can one of your best players and your central defender retire before the Nations Cup and you just let him go? That is madness.”
According to Idah, proper leadership would have ensured Troost-Ekong remained with the squad through AFCON 2025, giving him the chance to bow out on a high after years of service.
“They should have told him to wait until after the tournament. Because of bad leadership, I don’t believe he retired voluntarily — I believe he was pushed.”
Troost-Ekong’s shock decision came in the aftermath of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a playoff defeat to DR Congo in Morocco. His announcement also followed a tense standoff within the Super Eagles camp, where players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid bonuses — an episode that once again exposed the NFF’s long-standing administrative problems.
The controversy divided fans, with some blaming the players and others pointing fingers squarely at the federation for creating an unstable environment within the national team.
Despite the captain’s exit, Idah insists the Super Eagles still have experienced figures capable of stepping into leadership roles.
“Wilfred Ndidi can take over. You also have Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi,” he said. “Leadership won’t be a problem, but the federation’s decisions remain questionable.”
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch-Nigerian family, Troost-Ekong chose Nigeria over the Netherlands, making his Super Eagles debut in 2015 and earning over 80 caps. He captained Nigeria to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast and was named Player of the Tournament, despite the 2–1 defeat to the hosts. His five goals remain the highest ever scored by a defender in AFCON history.
The 32-year-old had been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad on December 2, only to announce his retirement two days later — before the final 28-man list was released — raising further questions about the timing and circumstances of his exit.
With Troost-Ekong gone, Nigeria’s defence for AFCON 2025 will be led by players including Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and Ryan Alebiosu.
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, with their AFCON 2025 campaign set to begin against Tanzania on December 23.
This controversy adds yet another chapter to growing criticism of the NFF, as questions continue to swirl over leadership, player management, and the treatment of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished captains.
