'Maybe he should return my Nigeria shirt' - Troost-Ekong fires back at Deeney, replies Lahoud

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has hit back at former Watford teammate Troy Deeney and retired Sierra Leone international Michael Lahoud after both publicly questioned his leadership ahead of Nigeria's 4-1 victory over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal in Morocco.

The duo had criticised the centre-back following the team's dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid bonuses and allowances.

Their criticism went viral on social media but Troost-Ekong has responded strongly after coming off the bench to Nigeria to a convincing win that sealed their spot in Sunday's playoff final against DR Congo.

Speaking in a video posted by Victor Modo, the 32-year-old defender described Lahoud's remarks as uninformed and disrespectful.

Responding to Lahoud's comments, Troost-Ekong told reporters in Rabat: "I thought it was very disrespectful. I had to Google who he was talking about me, and I think that if he had done his research about me, maybe he would have come out with a different explanation." 

He also stressed that the Super Eagles' dressing room boasts multiple leaders, naming Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon as key voices in the squad.

"We have multiple leaders in this team. Victor Osimhen is a leader in his own right, and we also have Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon."

The Nigerian International defended his role in the team, noting his longevity and experience.

"We have players who are really coming of age and showing what they can do. I don't think you can just wipe something away because someone is on the bench; I've got 83 caps for Nigeria."

Troost-Ekong reserved his strongest reaction for former Watford teammate Troy Deeney, expressing disappointment that the Hornets legend questioned his leadership despite their past relationship.

"And also for my teammate, I was slightly disappointed because I supported him when he was the captain of my team at Watford. 

"I've also gone on to captain Watford. So again, you could have just picked up the phone and called me."

In a sharp finish to his response, the Nigerian captain suggested reclaiming a gift he once gave Deeney.

"If he didn't respect me, then maybe we should take away the Nigeria shirt that I gave him."

Nigeria now turns full attention to Sunday's decisive playoff final against DR Congo, where victory will earn them a spot in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

Adeyemi Adewale

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