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AFCON 2025
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Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah claims William Troost-Ekong was forced into retirement by the NFF.
Former Nigeria international Peterside Idah has levelled strong accusations against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), claiming the body mishandled William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and effectively pushed the Super Eagles captain out of the national team.
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In an exclusive conversation with Footy-Africa, Idah criticised the circumstances surrounding the defender’s sudden exit, which came only weeks after he was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
What Idah said
Troost-Ekong, the 2023 AFCON Player of the Tournament, announced his retirement shortly after Nigeria failed to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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12:41 - 08.12.2025
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The disastrous playoff loss to DR Congo was preceded by a players’ strike over unpaid bonuses, a protest that deeply divided supporters.
Idah believes Troost-Ekong became a casualty of Nigeria’s longstanding administrative turmoil.
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09:13 - 06.12.2025
NFF did not force me — Ekong reveals truth about his retirement
Retired Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong said he was not forced to retire.
“The Nigeria Football Federation did not handle Ekong’s situation well. They handled it badly, absolutely badly,” Idah said.
“Even before he announced his retirement, I knew they were going to sacrifice him.”
He questioned why the federation allowed such a key player to walk away on the eve of a major tournament.
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07:04 - 06.12.2025
Troost-Ekong reveals his only regret after emotional Super Eagles retirement
Troost-Ekong says his only regret after retiring from international football was not lifting the Africa Cup of Nations.
“How can your central defender and one of your best players want to retire before the Nations Cup, and you simply let him go? It is absolute madness,” he argued.
He added, “Because of bad leadership, I don’t think he retired voluntarily. I believe they pushed him.”
With Troost-Ekong gone, Nigeria faces a leadership vacuum at a time when stability is desperately needed.
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11:49 - 05.12.2025
‘Dedicated and Humble Leader’ - NFF hails William Troost-Ekong
NFF has paid glowing tribute to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong following his retirement from international football.
However, Idah remains confident that senior figures within the squad can fill the gap.
“Wilfred Ndidi is obviously there and could replace him. There is also Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi… these are experienced players, and leadership should not be a problem,” he suggested.