Super Eagles captain William Ekong has found himself at the center of controversy after claims from Ojokojo Torunarigha, father of Super Eagles player Jordan Torunarigha, suggesting that the defender was unfit to play in Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
In a candid interview with Blast FM, Ojokojo Torunarigha, a former Super Eagles midfielder, accused Ekong of playing despite being injured, a decision he believes ultimately cost Nigeria crucial points.
“Ekong was injured; he only played because he was captain, unfit players should be kept aside. If he had been fit, we wouldn’t have conceded the goal against Zimbabwe.” Torunarigha stated.
During the World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria led 1-0 thanks to Victor Osimhen’s second-half goal.
A win would have moved the Super Eagles to second in Group C, narrowing the gap to leaders South Africa. However, in stoppage time, Ekong failed to prevent Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa from scoring, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Ekong apologized to his teammates and Nigerians after the match. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The draw left Nigeria in fourth place, six points behind South Africa, making their World Cup qualification more challenging.
Discipline Concerns: Can the Super Eagles Find Their Focus?
Beyond Ekong’s fitness, Ojokojo Torunarigha has raised concerns about the lack of discipline within the Super Eagles squad, emphasizing that success at the World Cup will require more than just talent.
“We have a good team, but there is no discipline, you see players sagging their shorts, acting like hip-hop artists, bringing phones to the stadium, and so on. Discipline must come first, no matter how big you are. If they stay disciplined, they will qualify.”Torunarigha said
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The former international also shared a personal story from his playing days to drive home the importance of focus.
Recalling an incident in which he was substituted for wearing the wrong boots and slipping on the field, Torunarigha stressed that distractions must be eliminated if the team is to succeed.
“Players need to focus, stay sharp, and avoid distractions. Only then will they achieve their goals.”
Jordan Torunarigha’s Frustration Over Missed Opportunity
Adding fuel to the fire, Jordan Torunarigha, who plays for Gent, has expressed his frustration at not being given a chance to play in the pivotal World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan has been capped once by the Super Eagles. Photo Credit: X
His father revealed that Jordan was bitter over not even getting a minute of action in the matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
“He’s bitter he didn’t play, he’s not happy at all because he didn’t play even a minute, but I have tried to encourage him, told him to keep calm, I talk to him and he listens.”
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Jordan, who previously represented Germany at the Olympic level, switched his international allegiance to Nigeria, despite his father’s initial advice to play for Germany due to his upbringing there.
