With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just weeks away, the Super Eagles camp has been rocked by the sudden international retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong. While the defender cites “personal reasons,” legendary former skipper John Obi Mikel isn’t buying the script.
Speaking on the latest episode of his Obi One podcast, Mikel didn’t hold back, suggesting a deeper fracture between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The timing of Ekong’s exit has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football. Mikel, who witnessed Ekong’s debut in 2015, insists the defender’s character doesn’t align with a “quitter” mentality.
“You cannot have your team captain, your leader, retire three weeks leading up to a major tournament,” Mikel stated. “Something is going on there that’s not been made public… I know Troost-Ekong really well; he’s a very passionate guy.”
The retirement follows a string of controversial incidents that have plagued the Super Eagles’ recent campaign:
Bonus Rows: Last month, Ekong reportedly led a training boycott in Morocco over unpaid NFF bonuses.
Tactical Snubs: Despite being the team’s primary penalty taker, Ekong was mysteriously benched during a decisive shootout loss against DR Congo.
The “Show” Mentality: Mikel described the current AFCON preparations as a “show,” hinting at systemic mismanagement.
Mikel argued that even if Ekong’s role on the pitch was evolving, his presence in the dressing room was non-negotiable for a successful tournament run. By pointing the finger at NFF management, Mikel joins a growing chorus of former players questioning the federation’s handling of veteran stars.
William Troost-Ekong Captain / Defender Retired (3 weeks before AFCON)
John Obi Mikel Former Captain Raising alarms over NFF “secrecy”
NFF Governing Body Under fire for bonus disputes & management
As the Super Eagles prepare to fly to the tournament, the shadow of their departed captain looms large. Is this a simple case of a player moving on, or is there a “crisis behind the curtain” as Mikel suggests?
