Opinion : Nigeria needs a new captain as Troost-Ekong has lost the trust of fans

Jose Peseiro was named Nigeria's national team head coach many weeks after the country failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2022.

The first game under the Portuguese manager ended in a 2-1 loss to Mexico, but there were many positives to take away from it.

However, the Super Eagles' second loss to Ecuador in the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey has opened up some realities that the nation has to accept.

This article will focus on why Nigeria needs to find an urgent replacement for captain Troost-Ekong as the Watford centre-back has lost the trust of the fans.

When it came to crucial and defining moments in the first friendly game against Mexico, Troost-Ekong was sluggish at best.

He was culpabe for Mexico's goals. Mexico's first goal was due to a lack of concentration displayed by the defender.

The second was a defensive blunder which led to an own goal against Uzoho as he was positionally off and couldn't sort out which foot was required to clear the ball quickly.

The failures against Mexico could be excused because players make mistakes and it is part of football.

However, the strength which made Troost-Ekong reliable at the back for Nigeria disappeared against Ecuador.

His organisation, leadership, motivation and communication skills were nonexistent.

This is not a sign of decline in ability or physicality, rather they are signs of a decline in the mental strength needed to play in a position as demanding and crucial as the last centre-back.

He failed to organise the defence against a free kick from which Ecuador's winning goal was scored.

On many instances the defence was disorganized and only Uzoho's heroics saved his blushes.

An urgent replacement for the Watford defender needs to be a high priority. Someone who can offer the leadership skills he offered before this decline.

This replacement has to have the chance to be groomed for the role before AFCON rolls around again.

Troost-Ekong's blushes may be more damaging at the AFCON and someone needs to be available to step in his position if he doesn't snap out of this slump.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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