Former Nigerian International Segun Odegbami has strongly criticized William Troost-Ekong for his crucial error in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, calling it a moment that could “haunt him for the rest of his life.”
The legendary Nigerian forward believes the mistake may define Troost-Ekong’s career and impact Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.
The match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium saw Nigeria take the lead through Victor Osimhen in the second half.
A victory would have placed the Super Eagles second in Group C, closing in on leaders South Africa. However, in stoppage time, Troost-Ekong failed to stop Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa, who capitalized on the lapse and found the back of the net past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria now sits in fourth place, six points adrift of South Africa, making their World Cup qualification challenge even tougher.
Odegbami’s Critique: A Defining Moment
Odegbami, writing in his Vanguard column, did not hold back his criticism of the Al-Kholood defender, calling it a moment that could define both his career and Nigeria’s World Cup fate.
“Unfortunately, what Ekong did may haunt him for the rest of his life,” Odegbami wrote. “It could be the moment Nigeria lost the opportunity to go to the 2026 World Cup. It could also be his last chance to attend a World Cup. Nigerians, all 250 million of them, will remember this forever.”
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He further analyzed the defensive lapse: “Ekong hesitated, perhaps fearing he might concede a penalty. That hesitation allowed the attacker to break through and score, a moment that left the entire country in disbelief.”
Troost-Ekong Takes Responsibility
Despite the backlash, Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has publicly accepted responsibility for his mistake.
Photo Credit: Imago
He has apologized to his teammates and reassured fans of the team’s commitment to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Responsibility taken. Same target ahead. We will do it together! 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/aju2xQAlnc
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) March 26, 2025
Odegbami acknowledged Troost-Ekong’s contributions to Nigerian football and urged fans to forgive him.
“William Troost-Ekong has since apologized for that poor decision, and Nigerians have no choice but to forgive him,” he wrote.
However, Odegbami also admitted that the Super Eagles now face an uphill battle in their qualification campaign.
“Nigeria had no business letting victory slip away in the dying moments. The silence in Uyo and across the country after the match spoke volumes about the disappointment that has gripped Nigerians.”
In other Group C matches, South Africa strengthened their position at the top with a crucial 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Abidjan. This was the only victory on Matchday 6, with Nigeria’s draw against Zimbabwe mirroring Rwanda’s 0-0 result against Lesotho.
As it stands, South Africa leads the group with 13 points, followed by Benin Republic and Rwanda, who both have eight points. Nigeria lingers in fourth place with seven points, ahead of Lesotho (six points) and bottom-placed Zimbabwe (four points).
