Former Nigeria captain warns Eric Chelle: Don't start Troost-Ekong in WCQ playoffs

Two-time World Cupper and former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh has sent a message to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation, insisting that William Troost-Ekong should be dropped from the starting lineup if Nigeria are serious about qualifying for the Fifa World Cup through the playoffs.

Troost-Ekong, who succeeded John Obi Mikel as Super Eagles captain following his retirement, has retained the armband in recent years, with Ahmed Musa no longer a regular feature in the national setup.

Oliseh, who previously managed Troost-Ekong during his stint as Nigeria coach, expressed doubts over the 32-year-old’s current form and ability, suggesting that the Al-Kholood defender is approaching the twilight of his career for both club and country.

During Oliseh's time in charge of the national team, Troost-Ekong featured in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in which Nigeria conceded twice. 

The former Ajax and Juventus midfielder subsequently dropped the centre-back from his plans before stepping down as coach in February 2016.

Since the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Troost-Ekong's performances have come under increasing scrutiny, with several critics calling for him to step aside from international duty amid concerns over his declining pace and defensive errors.

An error from the former Watford and PAOK defender led to Zimbabwe snatching a late equaliser during a qualifier in Uyo in March 2025, and just last month, he inadvertently turned the ball into his own net as Nigeria were held 1-1 by South Africa.

Assessing the Super Eagles' recent performances, Oliseh said Nigeria's defence has looked more solid in Troost-Ekong's absence.

"If we want to have a bright chance of going to the World Cup, Troost-Ekong has to be put on the bench," Oliseh said on his YouTube channel. 

"It’s as simple as that. You get to play for the Super Eagles based on the results you bring in."

He pointed to the team's recent defensive record to support his argument, and emphasised that sentiment should play no role in squad selection, urging Chelle to focus purely on performance and merit.

"If you look at the last three or four games we played, the two matches Troost didn't feature in, we didn’t concede a goal," Oliseh noted. 

"The reality is very simple, you don't go into a game as a manager looking at sentiments. You play the best players.

"Play only those who are in top form, not because of sentiments. I'm saying it clearly, drop the captain and let him take a break. 

"I'm not saying don't take him to the World Cup, but for these games, he needs to rest. 

"The team needs it, the psychology of the group needs it. At the moment, we play better when our captain isn't on the pitch."

Troost-Ekong played the entirety of Nigeria's 2-1 win over Lesotho last week and was on the bench for the 4-0 rout of Benin on Tuesday, October 14.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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