Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has brushed off criticism from CBS Sports pundits Michael Lahoud and Troy Deeney, who questioned his leadership ahead of Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the World Cup play-offs.
Ekong said the team remains united and focused on the upcoming African play-off final against DR Congo, with a place in the March 2026 Intercontinental Play-offs at stake.
Nigeria dominate Gabon to reach African World Cup play-off final
Nigeria took the lead in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalised on a poor back pass. Gabon levelled late through Mario Lemina’s deflected strike in the 89th minute, forcing extra time.
In extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage, before Victor Osimhen scored twice to complete a 4–1 victory. The match, played under persistent rain in Rabat, saw Nigeria dominate large periods. Gabon’s only notable threat was a second-half penalty appeal overturned after a VAR review.
Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Ekong, who came on late in the second half, helped marshal the defence alongside Benjamin Frederick, maintaining composure as Nigeria sealed the win.
CBS pundits question Ekong before the match
Ahead of the game, pundits on CBS Sports criticised Ekong’s leadership. Michael Lahoud, former Leone Stars midfielder, said:
“You need to have serious leadership, and the only leader in Nigeria right now is Victor Osimhen. William Troost‑Ekong hasn’t stepped up as a leader. He’s a social media leader. On the field, he’s done zero talking. He hasn’t led from the back, so at the end of the day, Nigeria needs to do the talking on the pitch.”
Former Watford striker and Ekong teammate Troy Deeney added:
“I don’t think he’s the one who’ll be breaking down doors to make things happen. He’s a good guy, a good person, but in times like this, you need that nasty person who’s going to be like ‘You’re not training, you’re not moving.’
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Deeney also expressed frustration that off-field issues continue to dominate discussions around Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
Ekong hits back after the match
Ekong dismissed the criticism as “very disrespectful” and defended his leadership record:
“I had to Google who he was. Maybe if he did his research about me he would have said something different,” he said.
“We have multiple leaders in this team. We have Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon. They’re really coming of age and showing what they can do.
William Troost Ekong. Photo Credit: Getty Images
I don’t think you can wipe what someone has done just because he was on the bench. I have 83 caps for the Super Eagles, and I think my record speaks for itself.”
Message to Troy Deeney
Ekong addressed Deeney personally, recalling their time at Watford:
“For my teammate, I was actually disappointed. I supported him when he was a captain at Watford and I had also gone on to captain Watford.
Ekong and Deeney during during their playing days at Watford. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Again, he should have just picked up the phone and called me. If he didn’t respect me, then he should take away the shirt of Nigeria that I gave him and my name on his wall somewhere.”
Looking ahead to Sunday
The Super Eagles now turn their attention to the African play-off final against DR Congo on Sunday.
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“The team is united and focused on the game on Sunday because without the game on Sunday this isn’t going to mean a lot,” Ekong added.
