Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has delivered a firm and fiery response to Troy Deeney and Michael Lahoud, both of whom publicly questioned his leadership ahead of Nigeria’s 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal in Morocco.
The duo’s comments, made after the Super Eagles’ temporary training boycott over unpaid bonuses and allowances, went viral on social media, sparking debates among fans.
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— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) November 13, 2025
But Troost-Ekong, who came off the bench in Nigeria’s convincing win, did not hold back when addressing their criticism.
Speaking in a video shared by Victor Modo and later to reporters in Rabat, the 32-year-old centre-back blasted Lahoud’s remarks as “uninformed” and “disrespectful.”
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“I thought it was very disrespectful. I had to Google who he was… If he had done his research about me, maybe he would have come out with a different explanation,” Troost-Ekong said.
The Nigerian captain also emphasised that leadership in the Super Eagles camp does not rest on one individual alone.
“We have multiple leaders in this team—Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon. We have players coming of age and showing what they can do.”
Highlighting his experience, the defender reminded critics of his long-standing contribution to the national team.
“I don’t think you can just wipe something away because someone is on the bench; I’ve got 83 caps for Nigeria.”
Super Eagles captain William Troost ekong replies disrespectful Troy Deeney and Michael Lahoud in disrespectful @CBSSports show pic.twitter.com/ESgR9NPvpK
— Deltan (@modovictorekene) November 13, 2025
Troost-Ekong reserved his strongest comments for his former Watford teammate Troy Deeney, expressing disappointment that the ex-Premier League forward questioned his leadership instead of reaching out privately.
“I was slightly disappointed… I supported him when he was captain at Watford. I’ve also captained Watford. He could have just picked up the phone and called me.”
In a sharp and symbolic closing remark, he hinted at retrieving a personal gift he once gave Deeney.
“If he didn’t respect me, then maybe we should take away the Nigeria shirt that I gave him.”
Focus Turns to DR Congo Clash
With tensions off the pitch now addressed, Nigeria has shifted full focus to Sunday’s decisive playoff final against DR Congo, where a victory will earn them a place in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
The Super Eagles will hope to build on the momentum from their victory over Gabon as they push one step closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
